The plan is to have Jimmy Garoppolo be the starting quarterback when the San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2021 season against the Detroit Lions. However, the team made it clear this offseason that Trey Lance is the future. San Francisco traded up to select the former North Dakota State quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick.
You might think that would create an awkward situation in the locker room. The players still believe in Garoppolo. They also like what they have seen from the rookie passer.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk recently spoke with Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun and shared what has impressed him so far about Lance on the practice field.
"His natural ability definitely jumps out at you, and his size as well," said Juszczyk. "He's a big, strong athlete. You can see the natural ability and the arm strength."
It wasn't just Lance's physical traits that left the Pro Bowl fullback impressed.
"What really stood out to me is his willingness to learn," Juszczyk added. "The few times I got to pick his brain, you can tell that he wanted to soak up anything a veteran could tell him. He's so excited to have this opportunity, and he's taking full advantage of it. I'm really excited to see what he can do."
Garoppolo can see the writing on the wall. He has to know that his days in San Francisco are likely numbered. The veteran has been professional about the situation, and neither Juszczyk nor his teammates have doubts about their starting quarterback.
"The team loves Jimmy and knows what type of winner he is," Juszczyk said. "We've done it, and we've been a quarter away from winning a Super Bowl with him. So we have a ton of respect for Jimmy and the way he's handled this situation. It's not easy when an organization gives up the draft capital that they did to go up and get a quarterback – we all know what's going on there. But Jimmy has been a total professional, and you can see how much work he's put in during the offseason."
Garoppolo has viewed the situation as an opportunity to prove himself. The veteran must also stay healthy to keep his job. While Garoppolo owns an impressive 24-9 record (including playoffs) as San Francisco's starter, he has missed 23 games over the past three seasons, including being sidelined for 10 games last season.
The 49ers have struggled to win consistently without Garoppolo, prompting the move to bolster the quarterback room.
"I think this situation is going to be great for both Trey and Jimmy," Juszczyk continued. "I think they're going to push each other. Jimmy is a great role model for Trey, and I think Trey will motivate Jimmy."
