The San Francisco 49ers acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo less than a week ago, and the name of the game has been getting him up to speed on the offense. Garoppolo, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and general manager John Lynch all said they were taking this week-to-week and not worrying about the long term stuff.
That being said, it is not surprising to hear that contract negotiations could begin in earnest sooner rather than later. CBS Sports NFL reporter Jason La Canfora reported on Sunday that the negotiation process could begin as soon as next week, and, “[t]here is a very real chance he has a new contract by [his first start with the 49ers].”
In reality, the negotiation process could be underway to a certain extent. I don’t know if agent Don Yee and 49ers chief negotiator Paraag Marathe have begun exchanging proposals, but the 49ers are doing what they can to hold at least a little bit of leverage.
Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the 49ers are not necessarily guaranteed to lock up Garoppolo long term. He talked about the various options that have been raised thus far. He talked about the 49ers draft picks and cap space, and the fact that they always have the option of placing the franchise tag on Garoppolo and then trading him.
Anything is possible at this early juncture, but I just don’t see them turning around and trading Garoppolo five months from now. I won’t exclude any option, but that Schefter report strikes me as more about trying to create a little bit of leverage in contract negotiations. I think a deal gets done, whether it be in the next couple weeks, or after the season ends. If I had to make a prediction, I’d say they get an extension done before the end of the regular season. It does take two to get a deal done, but I think we see it happen.