Is there anybody who still believes that Jimmy Garoppolo isn't an NFL franchise quarterback? The San Francisco 49ers certainly don't.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Garoppolo and the 49ers are moving closer to a long-term deal that'll keep the fresh-faced youngster in the Bay Area for quite some time. General manager John Lynch commented on his young quarterback while in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl.

“When you find the right guy at that position, it's really good for your franchise,” Lynch said. “We believe we've found the right guy. Now the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We're working hard towards that. We'll see. I think he wants to be with us and we want him there. I think it makes too much sense not to happen. So it's just a matter of getting it done.”

Though specific terms aren't yet known, the contract is expected to place Jimmy G. in the “upper echelon” of NFL quarterbacks.

Garoppolo, 26, was acquired by San Fran in-season for the organization's 2018 original second-round pick. While most of the world felt like this deal was a heist by the young front office squad in San Fran, Bill Belichick picked up one more of his favorite type of draft picks: those early second-rounders that bring along value by way of not only talent, but salary cap numbers.

Garoppolo backed up Tom Brady and the Pats for three-plus years dating back to 2014. An original second-round pick of the Pats, Jimmy G. did everything but miraculously lead his Niners to a playoff performance upon arriving on the west coast.

In just five starts, Garoppolo threw for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns to five interceptions. He sparkled as it pertained to the most start, going a perfect 5-0 for a team that was winless when he arrived.

Like of all us, Jimmy Garoppolo will be watching the New England Patriots take on the Philadephia Eagles in Super Bowl 52 later on Sunday. Unlike most of us, he'll be watching while understanding the type of cash that's soon coming his way.