Schefter discusses the 49ers’ plan for Jimmy Garoppolo

Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones.

One of those quarterbacks is likely to be part of the San Francisco 49ers roster following the draft. Jimmy Garoppolo has been part of the roster since a mid-season trade in 2017 sent him from Foxborough to Santa Clara, where he is expected to remain for at least the upcoming season.

Some wonder if plans could change, though.

There were reports that the 49ers seek a first-round pick for Garoppolo. Most who have been following the team know that basically means San Francisco has no intention — for now — of trading its veteran quarterback and would have to be blown away by an offer to consider deviating from its plan. That plan is to have Garoppolo serve as a bridge quarterback, allowing the incoming rookie to sit and learn for at least the upcoming season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter recently spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area and shared his thoughts on the 49ers' quarterback situation and the plan for 2021.

"I think they head in with the idea that Garoppolo will be the Week 1 starter," Schefter told Matt Maiocco. "I think that's the plan today. Do plans change? Sometimes they do, right? That happens. If somebody makes an offer for Jimmy Garoppolo, do I think they'd listen? If it were compelling enough, sure, why not? Why wouldn't you, right?

"I don't know that any of that's going to happen, and that's why I believe that they are planning to go into the season with Jimmy Garoppolo as their starting quarterback.

"Plus, again, two of the last three seasons, he's been hurt. So, if you have Jimmy, and he gets hurt, well, now you've got your rookie quarterback. You don't have to throw the rookie quarterback into the fire right away. You can bring him along slowly, a lot like Kansas City did with Patrick Mahomes and Alex Smith."

While Garoppolo recently helped guide San Francisco to a Super Bowl, he has missed 23 games over the past three seasons, including missing 10 games in 2020 due to an ankle injury. That has led many to question the quarterback's durability and future with the organization.

Garoppolo's fate was seemingly sealed when the 49ers traded up to the No. 3 overall pick, likely to acquire a replacement. However, the quarterback fits into the team's immediate plans. There is no eagerness to part ways with him.

"Now, again, if some team makes an offer that we don't see today, that tempts them, that always can happen," Schefter added. "But I believe that their plan, right now, is to have Jimmy be the starter, and we'll see."