Several reports state the San Francisco 49ers are working on a restructured deal that will make quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo the NFL’s highest paid backup quarterback.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Garoppolo’s new deal guarantees him $6.5 million, (with an incentive-laden ceiling of nearly $16 million) and a no-trade clause. Ultimately, Garoppolo will likely be able to walk in 2023 if he wishes.

After leading the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV and an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2021, Garoppolo serves as the backup to second-year starter Trey Lance.

While Garoppolo’s re-signing adds a backup plan for the 49ers should Lance get injured or flop, the move deals a blow to division foe Seattle. The Seahawks, who just wrapped up a mind-numbing quarterback race between Geno Smith and Drew Lock, were a reported possible destination for Garoppolo.

Garoppolo’s return means the 49ers possibly avoid playing him twice as a Seahawk. Also, Seattle faces an arduous task of trying to replace Super Bowl champion quarterback Russell Wilson with a pair of underwhelming options.

Even if Jimmy G doesn’t take a snap for the 49ers this season, his return to San Francisco likely impedes Seattle’s progress unless Smith or Lock turn into Russell Wilson 2.0 or something in the general neighborhood.

Spoiler alert…that is not likely to happen. Advantage, 49ers.