Only Fools Rush In

I’m a smart guy.

I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.

But today, I’m stumped!!

For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.

Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!

Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!

7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.

             

See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.

Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….

Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????

Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:

“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”

Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….

Kyle, John, he’s all yours.

 

Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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