49ers keeping Garoppolo

By Jared Smola | Updated on Thu, Jul 13 2023 6:27 PM UTC

The 49ers and QB Jimmy Garoppolo are finalizing a new deal that will make him the "highest paid backup in the NFL," according to NFL Network. It's a surprising move after the 'Niners basically said all offseason that Garoppolo had no future with the team. San Francisco has committed to QB Trey Lance as the starter -- but Garoppolo's presence will make it easier to bench Lance if he struggles this year. We're not moving Lance in the QB rankings, but his fantasy floor is now a little low.

Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Garoppolo is getting $6.5 million guaranteed with "playtime bonuses that can boost it another nearly $9 million." So it's a backup-level deal with upside in case Garoppolo ends up playing more than expected.

Jared Smola, Lead Analyst

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and in-season tools. He currently ranks ninth among 173 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.