4 SF 49ers players already fighting for their futures this season

Six weeks into the 2020 NFL Season, here are four SF 49ers players already fighting for their futures with the franchise.

The SF 49ers enter Week 7 with a 3-3 record, coming off of a dominant win against the Los Angeles Rams. The NFC remains wide open, and with seven playoff spots, there is no reason why the Niners cannot make a run for a postseason bid if they keep playing like they did Sunday night.

So, the SF 49ers as a team should certainly be playing for the present, as they have every opportunity to compete this season, especially as they get healthier.

However, while the Niners as a whole are playing for the present, some players are playing for their futures beyond this year already. Whether they’re playing to prove they’re worth their contract or to land a contract extension, various players are fighting for their futures already.

Here, in no particular order, are four of them.

No. 1: SF 49ers Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

This one feels almost necessary.

Personally, I’m not certain quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is playing for his future in the eyes of the 49ers coaching staff and front office. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has not expressed any doubt in Garoppolo, despite his poor play a couple of weeks ago. It’s worth noting that said poor play came while Garoppolo was dealing with a high-ankle sprain.

Although there was some buzz San Francisco considered making a move for now-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady last offseason, so perhaps the Niners leadership is considering moving on from Garoppolo. If the team was considering it, 2021 would be the offseason to do it, as Garoppolo’s cap hit is only $2.8 million next year, as opposed to $19.9 million this season, according to Over the Cap.

Regardless of whether or not Garoppolo is playing for his future in the eyes of the 49ers brass, he certainly is in the eyes of fans. There is no player on San Francisco’s roster fans have more extreme opinions on than Garoppolo. After Week 5’s loss to the Dolphins, 49ers fans on social media were livid with Garoppolo, saying it was time for the 49ers to move on.

Garoppolo is constantly fighting to prove himself to the Faithful.

So, due to the constant media scrutiny and pressure from fans, combined with his contract providing a perfect out next season, Garoppolo is playing for his future with San Francisco.

Although, I would be surprised if they part from the quarterback who led them to a Super Bowl less than a year ago.