The season may have just recently ended, but it sounds like tight end George Kittle is eager to return to the field and catch some footballs from his quarterback—whoever that might be. The San Francisco 49ers' quarterback situation will make for an interesting offseason. Last season's starter, Jimmy Garoppolo, is expected to be on the move, with the team likely to trade him.
Most expect the 49ers to go with the second-year passer, Trey Lance, last year's No. 3 overall pick. However, sports icon Joe Montana recently said he doesn't believe Lance is ready to start yet, prompting doubts among experts about the 49ers' quarterback plan.
"I don't think Trey's ready to play yet, myself, and after talking to some of the players," Montana told The Ringer during the week leading to the Super Bowl.
TMZ Sports caught up with Kittle (h/t Daniel Bates of The Spun) and asked the All-Pro if he feels Lance is ready to lead the 49ers offense.
"Yeah," Kittle responded.
#49ers TE George Kittle via @TMZ
Q: Do you think Trey Lance is ready to be the starter of the 49ers?
Kittle: Ya
Q: Joe Montana said they should keep Jimmy?
Kittle: "I play tight end and whoever is throwing me the football I can't wait to catch footballs from them pic.twitter.com/OWWD5ACdgk
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) February 20, 2022
Montana's comments were brought up, to which Kittle said, "I play tight end, and whoever is throwing me the football, I can't wait to catch footballs from them, baby."
What about Garoppolo, his quarterback of the last four-and-a-half seasons? Would he prefer to see the veteran remain with him in red and gold?
"Whatever's best for the football team," Kittle admitted. "Whatever Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch decide, it's going to be great. ... Love Jimmy G. Fantastic quarterback. Took us to two NFC Championships."
The tight end added that he is ready to catch footballs from "anybody wearing the Niners logo."