San Francisco 49ers fans don’t have to worry about quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo hitting the free-agent market anytime soon. Nor do they have to be concerned about the awkwardness created by applying a franchise tag.
Garoppolo will be in Santa Clara for the next five years after signing the largest deal in NFL history — one that actually gives the Niners an easy out after two years.
To ensure that thought never comes close to happening, Garoppolo will have to live up to the expectations he’s worthy of being a franchise quarterback.