49ers seem committed to Jimmy Garoppolo… right now

The 49ers appear as if they’re willing to roll with Jimmy Garoppolo under center in 2021, but the long-term tenure remains very much in doubt.

The San Francisco 49ers have essentially done all they can to ensure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, or whoever winds up playing under center this season, winds up having as much success as possible in 2021.

The Niners retained left tackle Trent Williams and fullback Kyle Juszczyk in NFL free agency, while also adding veteran center Alex Mack.

And with San Francisco zeroing in on veteran quarterback Joe Flacco before the weekend, there seems to be little doubt head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have all but tabbed Jimmy G as “their guy” with Flacco as a would-be backup for now.

Keywords: “for now.”

Flacco wouldn’t unseat Garoppolo as a starter. Cross that off the wonder list. Instead, what can NFL free agency tell us about Garoppolo’s long-term status with the team? And what about Lynch and Shanahan’s moves — more importantly, non-moves — with Garoppolo’s current contract?

There’s little questioning Garoppolo will be under massive pressure to bounce back from his injury-filled 2020 campaign particularly in light of the reinforcements along his offensive line along with a dynamic pass-catching corps consisting of tight end George Kittle and wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.

But San Francisco still hasn’t committed to Garoppolo for the long run beyond this season.

Let’s start there.