The San Francisco 49ers believe that Jimmy Garoppolo is their franchise quarterback. The 26-year-old started five games for the 49ers in 2017 after being acquired via a trade with the New England Patriots in late-October. Garoppolo won each of those games, including three-straight victories against playoff-bound teams to end the season.
Dating back to 2016, Garoppolo has won each of his first seven starts in the NFL. His 1,542 passing yards through his first five starts with the 49ers are the most by a quarterback in franchise history in their first five starts with the team.
Garppolo is scheduled to become a free agent in March, and the 49ers would like to ensure he never hits the open market. San Francisco is expected to either use the franchise tag on Garoppolo before March 6 or sign him to a multi-year deal. 49ers general manager John Lynch sounds like he would prefer the latter. He spoke with NFL Network's Alex Flanagan about Garoppolo from Wednesday's Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Alabama.
"He was a great addition to our team, kind of a game changer," Lynch said. "When you find the right guy at that position, it's really good for your franchise. We believe we've found the right guy.
"Now the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We're working hard towards that, and we'll see. I think he wants to be with us and we want him there. I think it makes too much sense not to happen and so it's just a matter of getting it done."
You can watch the interview with Lynch below, courtesy of NFL Network.
"We believe we've found the right guy.
Now the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. I think it makes too much sense not to happen." @JohnLynch49ers talks Jimmy "GaroppoGOAT" ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/k7QPhD0S1l
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 24, 2018
Garoppolo completed 120 of his 178 pass attempts for 1,560 yards, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, a passer rating of 96.2, and a rushing touchdown during his five starts and six game appearances with the 49ers this season.
San Francisco can place the franchise tag on Garoppolo between February 20 and March 6. Even if the team decides to go that route, it can still work on a long-term deal through July 16.