San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has completed his five-game audition with the team and is scheduled to become a free agent in March. Based off of Garoppolo's performance through five starts, it is safe to say the 49ers would like to have the quarterback return.
San Francisco can either sign Garoppolo to a long-term contract or use the franchise tag at an estimated cost of $23.5 million for 2018 to retain him. A long-term deal would likely be ideal for both the 49ers and Garoppolo.
49ers players were clearing out their lockers on Monday morning, and Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group was among those who caught up with Garoppolo now that the team's season is officially over. The quarterback said he is supposed to talk to his agent, Don Yee, in Los Angeles over the next couple of days to figure out his future.
While that future is not certain, Garoppolo has enjoyed his time with San Francisco so far.
"I like being here," Garoppolo told reporters. "I think we had a good thing going at the end of this year. We'll see what happens."
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Garoppolo looked good within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, especially when you consider he just started studying the playbook following the October 30 trade that sent him from the New England Patriots to the 49ers.
Garoppolo completed 120 of his 178 pass attempts for 1,560 yards, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, and a passer rating of 96.2 this season with the 49ers. He was asked what he liked about Shanahan's offense.
"There's a little bit of everything, actually," Garoppolo said. "It's not just a spread offense or a run-heavy offense. We mix in just about everything that you could, and it keeps the defense on their toes. It keeps them guessing, and I really like that."
You can watch the video of Inman speaking with Garoppolo below.
Watch: #49ers Jimmy Garoppolo talks about his 5-0 streak and contract status pic.twitter.com/I4GoGN359C
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 1, 2018
Garoppolo sat behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady for nearly four seasons in New England. The trade to San Francisco gave Garoppolo an opportunity to start and be the leader of an NFL team.
"I think it was a good match between the 49ers and myself, and myself and the 49ers," Garoppolo said on Sunday following the 34-13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. "I think it was kind of the perfect match. It just happened at the right time, and good things are coming from it."