SF 49ers: 4 questions Jimmy Garoppolo must answer if he returns
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Is Jimmy Garoppolo’s head, heart still with SF 49ers?
In Jimmy Garoppolo’s defense, it would be perfectly understandable if he was disgruntled with how the SF 49ers have handled his situation ever since the 2020 offseason.
Mere weeks after the Niners were defeated in the Super Bowl, there were eventually confirmed reports the team was flirting with then-free-agent quarterback Tom Brady, only to decline on the opportunity to pick him up before Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
More from Niner Noise
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
- Updated 49ers salary cap space ahead of 2023 NFL Draft
Garoppolo, who already spent three-plus years backing up Garoppolo, probably wasn’t thrilled with that news, especially after being trusted as San Francisco’s franchise guy.
Now, after Garoppolo dealt with more challenges in 2020, the SF 49ers’ reported pursuit of Matthew Stafford and potential interest to shake things up at quarterback via other options can’t exactly do much for how Jimmy G feels about his current employer.
There’s the chance Kyle Shanahan and the Niners brass is using the rumor mill to possibly push Garoppolo this offseason as a motivational force. Yet that’s a dangerous proposition, and it’s not known how he’ll respond to it. It’s just as possible he “checks out” and would be more than willing to explore other opportunities as soon as they arise.
Again, that’s pure speculation. But it’s going to be an interesting storyline for Garoppolo and the SF 49ers if he winds up being the guy on offense heading into 2021.
dark. Next. 5 trade destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo
If that’s the case, one can only hope for the most positive of responses.