I think I made a fantastic decision - Garoppolo key to Sherman joining 49ers

Richard Sherman has revealed the presence of Jimmy Garoppolo was a major reason behind his decision to sign with the San Francisco 49ers.

Sherman, a four-time Pro Bowler, spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks but was released by the franchise back in March.

The cornerback, who saw his last campaign in Seattle cut short by an Achilles injury, opted to join the 49ers on a three-year contract reportedly worth $39million.

While he once went up against his new employers in the NFC West, Sherman admits the chance to play on the same team as Garoppolo was crucial in deciding his next destination.

"I wouldn't have signed with the team if I didn't believe in Garoppolo," Sherman said in an interview with the NFL Network.

Garoppolo arrived from the Patriots for a second-round pick in November, recording 1,560 passing yards and eight total touchdowns in six games for the 49ers.

San Francisco finished 2018 with a 6-10 record but won all five when Garoppolo's started, leading to them handing him a five-year extension in February.

Sherman has already been impressed with his new team-mate, confirming he made a "fantastic decision" to join him in San Francisco.

"I watched how he moved down the stretch, I watched how poised he was," he said.

"I had conversations with his team-mates, 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 team-mates, I think I made a fantastic decision [to join the 49ers]."