Breaking News: 49ers Re-Signing Jimmy Garoppolo to One-Year, $96.5M Deal Worth Up to a Record-Breaking Amount
San Francisco, CA – March 14, 2025
In one of the most unexpected moves of the NFL offseason, the San Francisco 49ers are reportedly bringing back Jimmy Garoppolo on a one-year, $96.5 million contract, with incentives that could push the deal into record-breaking territory. This blockbuster signing marks a shocking reunion between the 49ers and the veteran quarterback, who previously led the franchise to multiple deep playoff runs, including a Super Bowl LIV appearance.
The move raises significant questions about the future of Brock Purdy, the team’s current starting quarterback, and how head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch plan to manage the upcoming season.
A Shocking Reunion: Why the 49ers Turned Back to Garoppolo
Garoppolo’s return to San Francisco seemed nearly impossible after his departure following the 2022 season. He spent the 2023 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, signing a three-year, $72.75 million deal but struggling with injuries and inconsistency. By the end of 2023, the Raiders had moved on from Garoppolo, and he spent the 2024 season as a backup with the Atlanta Falcons, seeing limited action.
However, sources within the 49ers’ organization suggest that their confidence in Brock Purdy has wavered following the team’s loss in Super Bowl LVIII, where Purdy’s performance was questioned in crucial moments. While Purdy has been the 49ers’ starter since taking over in 2022, Shanahan reportedly felt that the team needed a more experienced presence under center for the 2025 campaign.
“Jimmy knows this system better than anyone,” said a 49ers team source. “When the opportunity came up to bring him back, it was a no-brainer.”
Financial Breakdown: Why the 49ers Are Paying a Record-Breaking Sum
The one-year, $96.5 million contract is one of the most lucrative single-season deals in NFL history. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Garoppolo’s contract includes:
A fully guaranteed base salary of $60 million
A $20 million signing bonus
Performance-based incentives that could push the deal beyond $110 million
The incentives include bonuses for passing yards, touchdowns, playoff wins, and a potential Super Bowl victory. While Garoppolo has never been considered among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, his experience in the Shanahan offense and his strong leadership in the locker room made him an attractive option for the 49ers.
NFL salary cap analysts were stunned by the deal, considering Garoppolo’s struggles in recent seasons. “This is a shocking amount of money for a quarterback who hasn’t been a full-time starter in two years,” said Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. “The 49ers are clearly going all-in for 2025, but this is a major gamble.”
Brock Purdy’s Future in Doubt
The biggest question following this signing is what it means for Brock Purdy. The 24-year-old quarterback has been a fan favorite in San Francisco since taking over in 2022, guiding the team to two NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl berth.
However, some insiders believe that Shanahan has been growing frustrated with Purdy’s limitations against elite defenses. Despite Purdy’s efficiency and poise, his lack of elite arm strength and mobility became glaring issues in key playoff moments.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Purdy is “shocked and disappointed” by the team’s decision to bring Garoppolo back on such a massive deal. While the 49ers insist that Purdy will still compete for the starting job, it’s clear that this signing puts his future in jeopardy.
“The 49ers don’t pay a quarterback nearly $100 million unless they expect him to start,” Rapoport said. “This move signals that the team isn’t as confident in Purdy as they were a year ago.”
How Garoppolo Fits into the 49ers’ 2025 Plans
With training camp approaching, Shanahan now has a quarterback controversy on his hands. While Purdy may still be the long-term answer, the team’s massive financial commitment to Garoppolo suggests that they expect him to take over as the Week 1 starter.
Garoppolo’s familiarity with Shanahan’s offense gives him an advantage over Purdy in a head-to-head battle. The system relies on quick decision-making, accuracy, and timing, all of which Garoppolo has displayed when healthy. However, his injury history remains a major concern—he has missed significant time in nearly every season he has played.
“The biggest challenge for Jimmy will be staying on the field,” said former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. “When he’s healthy, he can run this offense at a high level, but we’ve seen too many times where he gets hurt at the worst possible moment.”
Reactions from the 49ers’ Locker Room
The news of Garoppolo’s return sent shockwaves through the 49ers’ locker room, with players expressing a mix of excitement and surprise.
George Kittle, who has always had a strong connection with Garoppolo, welcomed him back enthusiastically. “Jimmy is my guy. We’ve done a lot of great things together, and I can’t wait to see what happens this season.”
Deebo Samuel, who had a tense relationship with Garoppolo in past years, was more measured in his response: “We just want to win, no matter who’s under center.”
Fred Warner, one of the team’s leaders on defense, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the move: “Purdy’s been our guy, but the front office makes decisions based on what’s best for the team. We’ll roll with whoever gives us the best shot.”
Fan Reactions: Mixed Feelings in the Bay Area
49ers fans have had a love-hate relationship with Garoppolo for years. Some believe that his return gives the team the best chance to win now, while others see it as a step backward after handing the team to Purdy.
On social media, reactions were divided:
@NinersFaithful77: “I love Purdy, but Jimmy G took us to a Super Bowl. He deserves another shot!”
@BayAreaBaller: “WTF are we doing paying $96M for a guy who couldn’t even start last year??”
@FaithfulForever: “Shanahan must know something we don’t. I trust him, but this is crazy.”
What’s Next for the 49ers?
With Garoppolo now back in the mix, the 49ers have a critical decision to make before the 2025 season begins. If they truly believe he gives them the best chance to win, will they consider trading Brock Purdy before the season starts?
Several quarterback-needy teams, including the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could be interested in Purdy if the 49ers decide to move him. However, given his affordable rookie contract and success as a starter, San Francisco may opt to keep him as an insurance policy.
Regardless of what happens next, one thing is certain: the 49ers are going all-in on 2025, and they’re betting nearly $100 million on Jimmy Garoppolo to get them back to the Super Bowl.
Conclusion: A Gamble That Could Define the 49ers’ Future
The 49ers’ decision to reunite with Garoppolo on a record-breaking contract is easily the most shocking move of the offseason. While it could pay off if Jimmy G leads the team to a Super Bowl victory, it also carries massive risks, given his injury history and recent struggles as a starter.
For now, all eyes will be on San Francisco’s quarterback battle as the 2025 season approaches. Will Garoppolo reclaim his spot as the leader of the 49ers, or will Brock Purdy fight to keep his job?
One thing is certain: the drama in San Francisco is far from over.
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