Richard Sherman says Jimmy Garoppolo was major reason for signing with 49ers

[Ulquiorra]

Jimmy Garoppolo was a major reason Richard Sherman decided to sign with the 49ers.

Sherman, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Seahawks. But after he was released by Seattle in the offseason, Sherman agreed to a three-year contract reportedly worth up to $39.15 million with San Francisco.

Sherman told the NFL Network this week he’s excited to play with his new quarterback.

“I wouldn't have signed with the team if I didn't believe in Garoppolo,” Sherman said.

San Francisco acquired Garoppolo from the Patriots for a second-round pick in November. Garoppolo recorded 1,560 passing yards and eight total touchdowns in six games and five starts for the 49ers.

San Francisco, which finished 2018 with a 6-10 record, won all five of Garoppolo’s starts. He signed a five-year, $137.5 million extension with the 49ers in February.

Sherman said that before he joined San Francisco he studied film of Garoppolo.

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“I watched how he moved down the stretch, I watched how poised he was,” Sherman said. “I had conversations with his teammates, I had conversations with the head coach about how they coach him, about how he approaches the game. And just seeing his demeanor and seeing how he interacts with his teammates, I think I made a fantastic decision [to join the 49ers].”

Sherman registered 35 total tackles and two interceptions in nine games with the Seahawks last season. He injured his Achilles in November and missed the rest of the season.