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The 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo agreed to a restructured contract just before the start of the NFL season, ending months of speculation — but perhaps creating more confusion.
During the 2021 season, signs pointed to a trade, and head coach Kyle Shanahan named Trey Lance the starting QB for 2022. When Garoppolo wasn’t traded, it created the awkward proposition of the Super Bowl LIV-starting QB backing up the upstart.
But with Lance likely out for the year after sustaining an ankle injury during the 49ers’ 27-7 win over the Seahawks on Sunday, the new deal is looking like a top-notch insurance policy — and one that will be very lucrative for Garoppolo.
The 30-year-old’s restructured contract will guarantee him $6.5 million in base salary and $500,000 in roster bonuses — and is set up so he would be rewarded handsomely if he became the starter.
- He’ll make $250K for every game he plays over 25% of snaps and an additional $100K if he wins those games.
- He’ll make $500K if he plays 50% of snaps for each playoff game — including the NFC Championship Game, where he’ll make an additional $500K for winning.
- He’ll make $1M if he plays 50% of the Super Bowl.
Had Lance remained the starter all season, Garoppolo would have likely earned only $7 million; assuming he starts the rest of the season, he stands to make $11.1 million before any win or playoff bonuses are taken into consideration.
For his part, Garoppolo seemed happy about his financial fortune but is more focused on the task at hand.
“Now that you said it, it feels good,” he said of the $350,000 bonus after Sunday’s win. “I don’t know, you’re not thinking about that stuff out there. You’re in the game, you’re flowing with the game, trying to get guys ready, so I was kind of in that mode. But yeah, it’s always a nice positive.”
