There was hardly anyone else in the final weeks of the 2017 NFL season with more bragging rights than Jimmy Garoppolo. Since taking over as starting quarterback in Week 13, Garoppolo turned the 49ers around to finish the season on a five-game winning streak. Starting with a pair of victories with the New England Patriots last season, Garoppolo is undefeated in the first seven starts of his career. His leadership not only turned a 0-9 start into a 6-10 finish, but also wowed The Faithful into a renewed spirit of hope.
Yet, with every reason to revel in his accomplishments, Garoppolo handled his late-season success with humility and confidence.
“His poise is incredible because I don’t even know how he manages his humility after he straight resurrected a franchise by himself,” Marcus Thompson said on Murph & Mac Tuesday morning. “Pay that man, yesterday.”
Now that their season came to an end with a 34-13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the 49ers are well-suited to fully pursue Garoppolo. Even if they decide to bypass the franchise tag and draw up a deal with Jimmy G, the 49ers have over $110 million in cap space and the 26-year-old quarterback’s success — which, granted, is a small sample size — leaves little doubt that a large deal will not end up hurting the team in the future.
“I understand that you’ve got to play the game and negotiate, but if I’m John Lynch I’m like, ‘blank check, man. What’s your number? Let’s get this done.’” Thompson said. “And If I’m Jimmy Garoppolo, I’m walking into the press conference and I’m going to be the baddest dude.”
To listen to the full interview check out the podcast below, and skip to 5:45 for Thompson on Garoppolo.
