SANTA CLARA – The timing was important.
The 49ers did not want any drama lingering. They wanted to get a deal done with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo because the sooner it that got accomplished, the sooner the organization could start getting some return on their pricey investment.
On a 74-degree February day at team headquarters, 49ers general manager John Lynch said he envisions his organization becoming a destination spot for NFL players. The weather is one thing. Having a 26-year-old, face-of-the-franchise quarterback is even more impactful.
Chief negotiator Paraag Marathe said after signing Garoppolo to a front-loaded five-year, $137.