5 bold predictions for 49ers 2022 offseason

The 49ers enter the 2022 offseason far from being a perfect team but one that’ll require a handful of notable roster moves heading into the new year.

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the San Francisco 49ers heading into 2022.

For all the problems the Niners encountered last season, primarily early in the year, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad was still good and talented enough to make it all the way to the NFC Championship game.

And with a core group already in place and under contract for the upcoming season, there are few reasons to be concerned about a massive regression after being one of the NFL’s final four teams in 2021.

Yes, of course, San Francisco is poised to part ways with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to open up the door for last year’s No. 3 overall NFL Draft pick, Trey Lance. But if Lance plays even moderately better than Garoppolo for a lengthy stretch of 2022, the 49ers will be in much better shape.

In the meantime, it’s all offseason discussions for a while now, and let’s take a look at some bold predictions for Shanahan, general manager John Lynch and the entire team between now and training camp.

49ers bold prediction No. 1: Jimmy Garoppolo traded to Steelers

All signs are pointing to Jimmy G being on the move, and he alluded to such during his final press conference.

The only question now, however, is where.

There are going to be more quarterback-needy teams this offseason than viable quarterbacking options. The Denver Broncos are likely on the hunt. Most of the NFC South could use a quarterback, the Washington Commanders should be on the lookout, and plenty of other teams could be seeking upgrades, too.

However, the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be emerging as favorites to act as a trade partner for Garoppolo in the wake of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

Garoppolo stressed the desire to go to a place where winning was a priority. And despite Pittsburgh’s issues on offense and defending against the run last season, it was still a playoff team under head coach Mike Tomlin.

In this bold prediction, the Niners move Garoppolo to the Steelers for a second-round draft pick in 2022.