Jimmy Garoppolo: 3 bold predictions for 49ers QB in 2021

No. 2: The 49ers keep Jimmy Garoppolo, but he’ll be the highest-paid backup in the NFL

Let’s say the 49ers can’t find a trade partner and decide it’s best to keep Jimmy Garoppolo with no immediate safety net. He’ll be one expensive second-stringer, but could be worth keeping around.

If Lance is given the keys to start game one, you know Garoppolo will do whatever he can to make sure the rookie is successful. It’s a team game and Garoppolo has proven he’s a team player.

But having Jimmy G in your back pocket isn’t a terrible thing. He’s a proven winner, his teammates still have deep relationships with him, and he still has many fans within the Faithful.

As a backup, Garoppolo wouldn’t be on the field as much thus reducing his injury risk. A thought many of us might not have asked is: if the 49ers had a better quarterback room behind Jimmy G, would there have been as much pressure to be on the field?

Understandably, the contract situation worries everyone. Why put your $26 million quarterback on the bench? But sometimes you have to overlook the money and realize this is the situation the 49ers are in. If it means a healthier Jimmy G and a potential to make noise in the playoffs, they’d have to do it.

Also keeping Garoppolo off the field could potentially raise his trade stock. The 49ers will want to gain some draft capital back after their mega-trade with the Miami Dolphins before the draft. Garoppolo could catch some much-needed bait.

He might be a costly reserve, but if the 49ers need a winner they know who to call.