Nothing drives a narrative in the NFL like drama at the game's most important position. And over the past year or so, you'd be hard-pressed to find a team with a more riveting soap opera at quarterback than the San Francisco 49ers.

First, the team mortgaged its future in the 2021 draft to select small-school standout, Trey Lance. Veteran signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo proceeded to lead the 49ers to 10 wins, a wild-card berth and a trip to the NFC Championship Game. Then, the 49ers spent most of the spring and summer talking up Lance as the future while shopping Garoppolo around the league.

Now the story has taken another twist. On Monday, the Niners agreed to terms on a restructured contract that will keep Garoppolo on the team in 2022. It was a jaw-dropping development—one that will likely define the 49ers not just this year but also potentially for years to come.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was among those who broke the news after months of wondering where Garoppolo would land. As it turns out, he isn't going anywhere.

Per Schefter, it's a deal that could pay Garoppolo anywhere from $6.5 million to upwards of $15 million, depending on how much he plays this season.

It was a surprising move, given that the 49ers have spent most of the past six months looking for a trade partner for Garoppolo. After all, the writing was on that wall when San Francisco traded three first-round picks for Lance.