Nov 26, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) watches the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers have invested significantly in Trey Lance, but is he ready to take over for Jimmy Garoppolo?
Nobody has a more intriguing quarterback situation than the San Francisco 49ers.
Entering the offseason, it seemed the Niners were ready to move on from veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite Garoppolo helping San Francisco to the NFC title game, it appeared Lance was in line to take over. Of course, San Francisco gave up three first-round picks to acquire Lance in 2021.
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However, that hasn’t played out. Garoppolo is yet to be traded and with training camp only two months away, the possibility looms that general manager John Lynch keeps his vet and allows the duo to battle for the top spot.
It’s a possibility star tight end George Kittle has considered, and when asked about who he would rather play with this season, he was non-committal, per Pro Football Talk:
“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? That’s one reason I’m glad I’m not the head coach of the 49ers. That’s all on Coach Shanahan. I’ll give you both ways. Jimmy G, awesome in the huddle, great leader, directs guys. People go to attention when he’s talking. He’s got a quick release, he knows the offense. Like I said, been to two NFC Championship games, knows what he’s doing. Trey Lance can run, extend plays, does all the play-action stuff incredible, could throw the ball 70 yards. I don’t know. It’s a toss-up for me.”
Unlike most teams with questions at quarterback, the decision could determine who ends up representing the NFC in Super Bowl LVII. Despite Garoppolo’s shortcomings, he’s been to the NFC title game in two of the past three seasons, including a brutal loss in Super Bowl LIV to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
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As for Lance, the questions will persist until he gets on the field consistently and shows the skills which make him the No. 3 overall pick out of North Dakota State despite playing only one game in his final two collegiate years. If he steps in and performs, the 49ers are even more dangerous and now have a starting quarterback on a rookie deal, helping Lynch fill out the roster.
Provided Garoppolo doesn’t get dealt this summer, we’re in for a show at Niners camp as they attempt to figure out the correct answer.
