Will Jimmy Garoppolo Transform the 49ers?

The 26-year-old phenom could become a franchise player for San Francisco.

Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks for an open receiver during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Four weeks into the Jimmy Garoppolo era in San Francisco, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell takes full stock of the 26-year-old phenom. By even the most cynical reading, Garoppolo’s immediate success means the 49ers have a much stronger chance to compete next season than anyone would have expected before the trade. Having gone 4-0 as a starter, Garoppolo has already beaten two playoff teams and done so with a weak and injury-depleted receiving core. While Garoppolo’s impressive stats have come over a small sample size, and past quarterbacks like Matt Flynn who have gotten off to hot stars haven’t necessarily become franchise guys, Barnwell argues that the 49ers would do well to extend his contract while they still can.

Win the Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix Experience

Want the F1 experience of a lifetime? Here’s your chance to win tickets to see Turn 18 Grandstand, one of Ultimate Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix’s most premier grandstands!