Jimmy Garoppolo Now Highest-Paid NFL Player Reports confirmed on Thursday He will be making $27.5 million per year, earning him the title of NFL's highest-paid player to date. The previous title holder was Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford with a $135 million contract. Garoppolo was traded from the New England Patriots and won all five games he started as a 49er, completing 67.4 percent of his passes to go with seven passing touchdown and five interceptions.