The 49ers could place the franchise tag on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo the next two seasons for a deal that would amount to a two-year contract worth approximately $50 million.
But that is not nearly enough, former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia said on the 49ers Insider Podcast.
“I say you have to lock it in for five years and build around him and not even worry about it any more,” said Garcia, the last 49ers quarterback to earn Pro Bowl recognition.
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The 49ers are 3-0 with Garoppolo as the starting quarterback entering Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the team’s home finale at Levi’s Stadium.
“I think you see everything that you would hope for and probably more than what you expected,” Garcia said. “This young man is showcasing ability that can be locked in for a long time for this 49ers franchise.
“I’m mean, he’s not just getting lucky out there on the field. He is showcasing everything you want to see in a quarterback. And, plus, he has extra things that we have not seen, yet. He’s got the ability to extend plays. He’s got the ability to be athletic on the field. But he shows great pocket presence, great awareness, great timing. He’s flawless in his mechanics. So many things that you want to see in a quarterback, he brings to the table.”
Garoppolo has completed 79 of 115 pass attempts (68.7 percent) for 1,026 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions since coming to the 49ers in a midseason trade with the New England Patriots. His passer rating is 98.0. Garcia said Garoppolo has helped his teammates become more productive, too.
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“He’s showcasing the leadership ability where the locker room gravitates toward him, supports him and they’ve shown they believe in him,” Garcia said. “Now, they’re raising the expectations in themselves because of what he brings to the table.”
The 49ers and Garoppolo's agent, Don Yee, are expected to enter into contract negotiations at the conclusion of the regular season. If the sides fail to reach a multi-year agreement, the 49ers would place the franchise tag on Garoppolo at any point from Feb. 20 to March 6.