The San Francisco 49ers will have quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the long haul as they signed him to a five-year deal worth $137.5 million, the richest contract in NFL history in terms of average annual value. The signing came as no surprise since the 49ers have expressed interest in keeping Garoppolo via a long-term deal since they acquired him from the Patriots before the trade deadline for a 2018 second-round pick. With a new deal, the 49ers will avoid using the franchise tag on Garoppolo. Garoppolo’s contract eclipsed the five-year, $135 million contract that Matthew Stafford signed with the Detroit Lions recently.
Garoppolo played six games in the regular season, with five starts, where he went undefeated during that span to help the team finish with a 6-10 mark. Garoppolo completed 120-of-178 passes for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions in six games for the 49ers. San Francisco’s offense was also revitalized with Garoppolo’s arrival. Before his starts, the 49ers scored only 17 points per contest, but their scoring increased to 28.8 points per outing with Garoppolo under center.
Garoppolo’s deal expected to be surpassed
Garoppolo’s record deal may not stand for long as other quarterbacks might sign larger contracts in the offseason. Kirk Cousins, who is expected to be a free agent in the summer, is anticipated to sign a deal larger than Garoppolo as teams might offer him more money to join them.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, people around the league expect Cousins to get a deal worth $30 million a year.
Garoppolo’s huge contract will also be noticed by veteran quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers and Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. Rogers will earn $19.8 million next season and $20 million in 2019 while Brady’s salary next season is a measly $14 million.
Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons could also demand huge contracts from their respective teams.
Edelman ribs former teammate on Twitter
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman ribbed former teammate Garoppolo after the latter signed the richest deal in NFL history. Minutes after Garoppolo signed the deal, Edelman congratulated the quarterback on Twitter while throwing shade at his former teammate. Edelman tweeted: Yo bubs, about the 20 dollars you owe me.... I mean .... congrats jimbo slice.” Edelman and Garoppolo played together with the Patriots for three-plus seasons.
