Free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo understands what it's like for teams to have another favorite over him.
The San Francisco 49ers did this twice to him, first by grabbing Trey Lance early in the 2021 NFL Draft, then sticking with Brock Purdy as the franchise centerpiece after the then-rookie impressed in Jimmy G's stead late in 2022.
After two seasons serving as Matthew Stafford's backup with the Los Angeles Rams, Garoppolo can apply those lessons to how L.A. viewed him as a backup.
Head coach Sean McVay recently admitted wanting to target veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins on the free-agent market, only to be denied the chance once Cousins inked a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders instead.
With few proven options left on the open market, both for Garoppolo and McVay's Rams, a reunion might again be in play.
49ers can't help but welcome Jimmy Garoppolo back to NFC West
Garoppolo hasn't achieved success since his Niners departure entering 2023, enduring a horrendous tenure with the Raiders before signing on in Southern California as a QB2.
Yet to start any games for Los Angeles, the door remains open for a potential showdown against San Francisco in the two NFC West bouts the rivals have on the docket this upcoming season, including a high-profile Week 1 showdown in Melbourne, Australia.
Provided L.A. opts to return to Garoppolo for backup duties, of course. And it would be contingent upon an injury to Stafford, which given his age, is always a possibility.
Considering it wasn't a harmonious split between Garoppolo and the 49ers, the quarterback returning to the NFC West and potentially starting a game would be an ideal outcome to (hopefully) prove why the Niners opted to move on from him in the first place.
Los Angeles would have to play ball, too, though by re-signing him.