Jimmy Garoppolo contract: 49ers players, others react to record-setting deal

In the wake of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo signing the largest contract in NFL history, Niner Noise looks at player reactions from the San Francisco 49ers and around the league.

Just in case you weren’t aware, the San Francisco 49ers are inking quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a five-year, $137.5 million contract.

News of the deal was first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on Thursday.

Garoppolo’s $27.5 million average annual salary makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history. This surpasses Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who previously held that mark at $27 million per season.

Needless to say, Garoppolo is going to have to figure out what to do with his new-found wealth. And it’s not surprising to see teammates, both former and current, chiming in with their reactions.

Some are pretty good, including this one from New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (h/t 95.7 The Game):

Meanwhile, Niners safety Jaquiski Tartt is considering a position switch:

For the record, Tartt’s annual average salary is $1.26 million. So I guess it makes sense he’d like a slight bonus, right?

Amid all the news flowing out of the NBA trade deadline, Garoppolo’s new contract took over the sports waves and social media. And defensive lineman Leger Douzable didn’t hesitate to point that out:

Other teammates, such as wide receiver Trent Taylor and linebacker Mark Nzeocha, also weighed in with their congratulatory support:

Perhaps the biggest endorsement came from veteran Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, who appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio (h/t David Bonilla of 49erse Webzone) shortly after news of the deal went live:

"You saw that from day one. The way he just kind of came into the huddle in practice when he was there for two days and really just kind of took over. He was snapping at guys like, “Hey, pay attention. This is what we’re doing right here.” There was no ‘feeling out’ period with him.But he did it in a way too where it didn’t come off as arrogant or anything like that. It was just like, ‘I’m asserting myself. This is what needs to be done.’ I think a lot of that comes from who he was job shadowing for the first three or four years of his career over there in New England.He’s a great guy. I can’t say enough positive things about him. I think the franchise is in good hands with him at the helm."

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The 49ers and their fans can now relax knowing they have their quarterback locked up for a long, long time.

And it isn’t as if a record-setting deal will stay that way for long. As I pointed out earlier, a number of high-level quarterbacks are going to be due new contracts very soon. Many of those could easily surpass what Garoppolo is set to earn.

Next: 49ers optimistic preview for the 2018 season

In a year or two, this deal could easily wind up looking like a steal.