In a wild offseason which has seen a number of sizable quarterback trades, one of the most significant storylines has to do with a move which hasn’t taken place. With almost (if not every) 2022 starting QB spot already spoken for, Jimmy Garoppolo remains on San Francisco, something which may not change for the foreseeable future. General manager John Lynch pushed back against reports that, even if he is retained, Garoppolo will cede the starting job to 2020 first-rounder Trey Lance.
“All these reports, I don’t know where they all come from” Lynch said, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports. “We always believe in competition, but at the same time we are great believers in what [Lance] brings to the table. We believe he is ready. He is going to have to show that. I think he’s ready to show that to us, show that to his teammates, and show that to the world.”
Garoppolo has been thought to be on the trading block since the 49ers traded up to select Lance third overall last year. It came as no surprise that the veteran openly discussed a future destination other than San Francisco after the season ended, but shoulder surgery has complicated his trade market, which was already weighed down by his $26.9MM cap number for 2022. Even if Garoppolo does stay with the team into the fall, Lynch’s remarks still point to Lance at least having the inside track for the No. 1 role.
Here are some other notes out of the Bay Area:
- The team’s secondary has undergone plenty of change this offseason, and it appears at least one safety spot will look different come next year. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Jaquiski Tartt “isn’t expected to return”. The 30-year-old has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the 49ers, but the team has done homework on a number of secondary prospects, including Penn State’s Jaquan Brisker, Branch notes.
- Running back Elijah Mitchell said yesterday that he underwent a minor procedure on his knee this offseason (Twitter link via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury). A sixth-round pick last year, Mitchell enjoyed a productive rookie campaign, totalling 1,100 yards and six touchdowns. He added that he will “definitely” be ready for training camp.
- The same will likely be true of right tackle Mike McGlinchey. The 27-year-old suffered a season-ending quadriceps tear in November. As Branch notes (on Twitter), however, the former top-10 pick expects to have recovered in time for the summer.
Mam, 49ers have ALOT of question marks going into the season and before the draft. It has been one tough offseason that has really only seen them lose players and only add to their ST units..They did add C.Ward as their #1 boundary CB, so that’s certainly a plus.
Their OL is at least both guard spots in question, or maybe Center and RT as question marks also depending on the health of McGlinchy and whether or not Mack retires…
They haven’t had anyone replace Tartt yet, as their other starting safety next to Ward. There is the question of who will line up as their slot CB. Will Kinlaw be able to stay healthy, and adequately replace DJ Jones?? They still are lacking depth at WR, and now we have the whole Deebo drama on top of it all…Then, they still don’t have a 2nd pass-catching TE to speak of that’s any good to maximize Kyle’s two TE sets he likes to run…
The draft can cover up some of these holes for sure, but they’re going to go into the season with some major question marks. Not trading Jimmy G and freeing up that cap space really put a damper on their offseason, and now they’re seeing the results of that decision…Unfortunately..
Lance is not ready is what Lynch is saying.
But, hard to admit a reach resulting in giving up a lot for a bust. They’re lucky to have Jimmy G. still around so he can get another redshirt year,