This could be Jimmy Garoppolo’s last season in San Francisco.
Sources told Athletic that the signal-collars of the injured are on thin ice, with the team nine months away from a Super Bowl appearance in February.
“I’m selling stock,” one offensive coach told the outlet.
“I think it could happen in San Francisco,” said an NFL executive. “And if they keep it, it’s just because they have no other choice.”
Despite rumors circulating about Garoppolo’s future, general manager John Lynch has continued to support the quarterback.
“I think the elephant in the room: everyone wants to know about Jimmy,” Lynch told KNBR 680 on Friday morning. “Here’s what I know about Jimmy Garoppolo, and I’ve been consistent: We’re a better team when he gets there. We win a lot when he is there and we have to struggle to win without him.
“We’ve got a lot of recognition on Jimmy. As a scouting staff, will always be perfect and will do our tail work to scout all the players and be ready for anything. I still have a lot of faith in Nick. He has to work at a high level for us to succeed. ”
Moving on from Garoppolo, who joined the 49-year-old mid-season in 2017 by trade, would be a tough move to better options on the current depth chart. It would also be shocking in light of the five-year deal signed up to 137.5 million signed before the 2018 season, the largest deal in NFL history at the time.
“People can differentiate his game,” Lynch said. “A lot of this year, Jimmy probably hasn’t played up to his standard and he’s compromising his health somewhat because he had that ankle in the Jets game.”
The 2014 second-rounder struggled this season with injuries, most notably an ankle injury that re-emerged in the 8th week that landed him on the injured reserve. He has completed 94 of 140 pass attempts for 1,096 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions through six games this season.
“The most encouraging thing was that his recommendation, which corresponded to our orthopedist, did not require surgery right now,” Lynch said. “Do you do what they call ‘titrop’ or do you leave it alone?”
Geroppolo, 29, earned two Super Bowl rings as a backup for Tom Brady during his tenure in New England. He sat most of the 2018 season with a torn ACL, but gave a hefty return in 2019.
The Eastern Illinois product completed its 9.1.1% pass, 787878 yards, ૨ 27 touchdowns and 113 interceptions and was runner-up for the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He helped the teams finish 13-3 and advance to the Super Bowl 54 before fighting the Chiefs.
The 49ers currently sit last in the competitive NFC West division at 4-5. Backup Nick Mullens will have a start against Saints (6-2) in New Orleans on Sunday.
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