One of the many reasons the San Francisco 49ers were appealing to Richard Sherman when the veteran cornerback signed with the team in 2018 was Jimmy Garoppolo. The quarterback was coming off an impressive five-game run after being traded from the New England Patriots, and the 49ers had just re-signed him to a long-term deal. It looked like the team had solidified its quarterback position.
Three years later, Garoppolo's eventual replacement is on the roster. Recent injury-plagued seasons forced San Francisco to plan for the future — post-Garoppolo. Last week, the team drafted Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick.
Garoppolo remains on the roster and is part of the 49ers' plans for the upcoming season. He will be the team's starting quarterback, allowing Lance time to sit, learn, and prepare to take over.
How does Sherman see the situation in Santa Clara playing out?
"I see it playing out exactly like Kyle said it would," Sherman told Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim Rose on ESPN's First Take. "I see Jimmy G being the starter. He has a fantastic grasp of the offense. He knows the team. He has the respect of his men. He's already led them to a Super Bowl.
"I see Trey learning behind him. And if something crazy happens, and Jimmy gets banged up or something like that, I think they'd be really comfortable putting Trey in there and letting him learn the offense and letting him get his reps. But I don't think they want to throw him in the fire if they don't have to."
Regarding the criticisms of Garoppolo, Sherman feels that many in the national media like to suggest that the quarterback is a product of the system — whether that be in New England or San Francisco. The bottom line, though, is that the 49ers win more than they lose with Garoppolo under center.
"I don't think he gets enough credit," Sherman said, "and I think it's just people wanting to downplay his talent, wanting to downplay him, regardless of what he does. He took a team to a Super Bowl, and they're like, 'Well, it wasn't him that took them. It was the defense. It was the D-line. It was (running back Raheem) Mostert. It was (wide receiver) Deebo (Samuel). It was this.' I think some players just get that [reputation] and can never shake it."
Kyle Shanahan discusses having a dual-threat quarterback in 49ers rookie Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Jun 12, 2021
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has a lot of confidence in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's ability to lead the San Francisco 49ers offense. That confidence may waver when it comes to depending on his veteran passer to be available for the majority of the season. That, not his skill set, led Shanahan and the 49ers to seek another quarterback in the draft.
In January, Shanahan fell in love with the idea of acquiring Trey Lance. He liked several of this year's rookie quarterbacks, but it was the North Dakota State product who pushed him to want to trade up from No. 12 overall. So San Francisco did exactly that, moving up to No. 3 to select Lance, a prospect with little experience but huge upside.
Most assume that it is Lance's athletic ability that drew Shanahan to the
49ers' Kyle Shanahan says Jimmy Garoppolo had his 'best spring,' discusses Trey Lance's progress
By David Bonilla
Jun 9, 2021
Jimmy Garoppolo is trying to fend off anyone from overtaking him on the depth chart — specifically, the No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance. It sounds like he put in a solid effort during organized team activities, which ended today. The veteran quarterback will look to continue impressing his coaches in training camp at the end of July.
Garoppolo is slated to be the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback when the team kicks off against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 12. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters today and expressed how pleased he is with Garoppolo's performance during the offseason program.
"I think Jimmy had his best spring
49ers' George Kittle says Jimmy Garoppolo 'has a fire lit under him,' good dynamic with Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Jun 15, 2021
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle was a guest today on Good Morning Football and discussed several topics of interest. Among those topics was the dynamic between the team's starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the rookie drafted at No. 3 overall to eventually succeed him, Trey Lance.
One would think that could create an awkward situation in the quarterback room and possibly the locker room. That hasn't been the case for the 49ers, though. Garoppolo has been welcoming to the young quarterback and willing to serve as his mentor while preparing for the 2021 season.
"I know there was a story that came out that Jimmy Garoppolo was one of the first guys to text Trey Lance," Kittle said. "That's just the type of guy that Jimmy is. He's not going
49ers Weekly Recap: Mohammed Sanu and Trey Lance impress, Bobby Turner awarded, and more
By Rohan Chakravarthi
2 hrs ago
Here's your recap of the top San Francisco 49ers-related stories from the past week.
Mohammed Sanu
Earlier this week, Mohammed Sanu received praise from multiple coaches about his performance during the team's offseason program. Head coach Kyle Shanahan and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel highlighted his play, paving the path for an interesting competition for that third wideout spot behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.
"It was very exciting to see him perform. He was doing very well. And, if he comes back to training camp in that same shape, he's going to be a guy that is going to be tough to beat out for that final 53 (man)
