Jimmy G. isn’t going anywhere as of about three o’clock p.m. (PDT) August 29th, 2022. The details of his new deal even has a no-trade-clause, meaning that he cannot be traded without his consent. At the beginning of the 2022 off-season, keeping Jimmy was the furthest thing from San Francisco’s mind, yet here we are. How did we get to this point? What does this ‘New Deal’ contain? Furthermore, what can we expect from Jimmy Garoppolo this season as Trey Lance’s back-up?
What Happened?
At the start of his time in San Francisco, Jimmy Garoppolo seemed like the 49ers’ savior. The 49ers were coming off of two consecutive sub .500 record seasons. The 49ers then traded a 2018 second round pick for Tom Brady’s then back-up, Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy started, and won the final five games during that 2017 season for the 49ers to bring their record to 6-10 to finish the season.
Fast forward four seasons, two season ending injuries, and one Super Bowl loss, the 49ers are back in the the 2021 NFC Title game against the soon-to-be Super Bowl champions, Los Angeles Rams. Jimmy Garoppolo drops back on 3rd & 13 with the game on the line. He immediately gets pressured through the B and C gap by Aaron Donald and company. With bodies all over him, Jimmy tries to escape left and pitch the ball to his outlet, JaMycal Hasty. He gets picked off to ultimately end the 49ers 2021 playoff run.
Though Garoppolo had success during his time as a starter, the combination of being injury prone, and committing 44 turnovers during his four year stint in San Fran lead to the 49ers seeking out a different option with a higher ceiling. After sending three future first round picks, and one third round pick to the Miami Dolphins for the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Trey Lance. Lance backed up Garoppolo the entire 2021 season, and even started two games while Jimmy was recovering from a calf strain in October of that year. Lance’s starting record was 1-1 during that two game stretch. Many fans during the 2021 season were worried about the politics of starting Jimmy over Trey, but 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was adamant about keeping it known that the clear day-one starter was Jimmy Garoppolo.
Jimmy’s New Deal
Just as Kyle Shanahan made it clear that Jimmy was the undisputed starter during the 2021 season, he’s made it very clear that Trey Lance is going to be the starter for the 2022 season. It was not news to Jimmy as he was aware of the plan even back before the 2021 season ended. The hopes of Jimmy getting traded this off-season diminished as most QB needy teams filled their spots early. So Garoppolo and the Niners made a deal.
According to an article written by David Suggs for Sportingnews.com, Jimmy Garoppolo’s new deal will include at least $6.5 Million in a fully guaranteed base salary. He could also receive $500,000 in per-game roster bonuses ($29,000 per game). He would get $250,000 for each game he takes at least 25% of the offensive snaps. Another $100,000 for each of those games that he wins. Garoppolo would also get $500,000 if he takes at least 50% of the offensive snaps in a 49ers playoff game. Also, another $500,000 if it’s the conference championship. He could then receive $500,000 if he wins the conference championship, and finally another $1 million if he takes at least 50% of the offensive snaps in the Super Bowl. That’s up to $15.45 million in 2022.
This all might seem like a lot, and it is as far as buck-up quarterbacks in the league are concerned. However, not only does this give the 49ers a much needed salary break, but it also holds a no-trade-clause, and a no-tag-clause. This means that Jimmy will have final say on who, when, and how he’s traded, along with the ability to uncontestably test free-agency in the upcoming 2023 off-season. Furthermore, it creates a better financial situation for the organization, and a better career situation for the former NFC champion.
What’s Next?
“It was all love, nothing has changed between us. I can say it a million times, he’s been my big bro and nothing is going to change that. I know he’s got my back, I’ve got his back and I’m excited to go through this year with him.” said Lance to the media on Thursday when asked about Jimmy. If there are any doubts about the Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance dynamic, it won’t be from inside the 49ers facility.
No matter what speculations there are for Jimmy G. and the Niners future, it’s hard to argue that Trey Lance will be in a better situation with Jimmy guiding him. There are a lot of positives for the organization that come with this deal. I think it’s important to understand just how professional Garoppolo has been during this whole fiasco. At the end of the day, the future of this organization rests on the brain of Kyle Shanahan. It’s up to him to live up to the high expectations of a talented 49ers franchise.
For More San Francisco 49ers Content
Follow me on Twitter @sethrbroughton and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content! To read more of our articles and keep up with the latest in all things football, click here!
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
