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."