ESPN: It feels inevitable that the 49ers consider alternatives to Jimmy Garoppolo in the offseason

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had an opportunity to make a statement on Sunday while facing the team with the NFL's worst pass defense — the Seattle Seahawks. He had a chance to quiet — at least for four days — his critics by leading his team to an all-important NFC West win over a division rival.

Garoppolo went 11-of-16 for 84 yards and an interception before leaving with an ankle injury late in the third quarter.

It was some uninspiring play. Garoppolo's backup, Nick Mullens, entered the game in the fourth quarter and went 18-of-25 for 238 yards and threw two touchdown passes, making some wonder if the outcome of the 37-27 Seattle win would have been different had Mullens played the whole game.

Could Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers look to get out of Garoppolo's contract and part ways with their franchise quarterback after this season? ESPN believes so.

"San Francisco's injury situation this season is unrivaled league-wide, and it might be unfair to judge anyone as a result," wrote Dan Graziano. "But Garoppolo's inconsistencies -- be they of performance or availability -- have become too much for an otherwise steady team to ignore.

"Do they go with Mullens on Thursday against Green Bay, whether Garoppolo's ankle is fine or not? Do they think about making a switch in the second half of the season? It feels inevitable that they at least consider alternatives in the offseason, and the way Garoppolo's contract is structured allows them to replace him quite easily if that's what they decide to do."

The 49ers admittedly briefly flirted with the possibility of replacing Garoppolo with Tom Brady this past offseason. That was after the quarterback led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in his first full NFL season as a starter. The 49ers are now 4-4 and remain in last place within the NFC West, making one wonder what Shanahan and company might consider this offseason.