The 49ers and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo have common interests in working out a multi-year contract extension, according to general manager John Lynch.

Lynch spoke with the NFL Network on Wednesday from the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. He said the 49ers are working on getting Garoppolo signed to a new contract. He is scheduled for unrestricted free agency, but if Garoppolo remains unsigned in early March, the 49ers will designated him as their franchise player.

“He was a great addition to our team – kind of a game-changer,” Lynch said. “When you find the right guy at that position, it’s really good for your franchise. We believe we found the right guy.

“Now the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We’re working hard toward that. We’ll see. I think he wants to be with us, and we want him there. It makes too much sense for it not to happen. It’s just a matter of getting it done.”

Garoppolo arrived with the 49ers on Oct. 31 in a trade with the New England Patriots for a second-round draft pick. The 49ers won each of his five starts to finish the season.