By trading up to the third overall pick in this week’s draft, the San Francisco 49ers are assured a new quarterback of the future on their roster. That leaves the future of Jimmy Garoppolo in doubt.
Whether they select Mac Jones or Trey Lance, there’s a possibility the 49ers could move on from Jimmy G. Even if it’s during the draft in a trade.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wouldn’t tip his hand on if Garoppolo would be with San Francisco by the conclusion of the draft.
Shanahan was asked if he could guarantee Garoppolo will be on the roster by Sunday. His answer was extremely peculiar.
“I can’t guarantee that anyone in the world will be alive Sunday,” Shanahan answered per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Shanahan’s answer is truthful and real. Yes, no one can guarantee if you or anyone will be alive Sunday. But deciphering through his dark answer, Garoppolo’s days are certainly numbered in the Bay Area.
After winning his first five starts after being traded from the New England Patriots in 2017, Garoppolo has struggled to stay on the field for the 49ers. He overcame a torn ACL in 2018 to lead San Francisco to Super Bowl LIV after the 2019 season. However, a high ankle sprain limited him to six games in 2020.
“We felt we needed to get a starting QB… We’ll get the one that we feel is best for us,” Shanahan referenced about the 49ers trading up in the first round.
Shanahan doubled back later on to address his concerns of Garoppolo’s health. His answer also left the door that the veteran QB could stick around, speaking of him going through virtual meetings the past two weeks and the team preparing to try winning in 2021 with him under helm.
Still, the fact remains Jones or Lance will ultimately be given the keys to the franchise in the near future. Whether its before, during or after the 2021 season, it’s apparent Garoppolo will soon be out of San Francisco.
