San Francisco had hoped to trade Garoppolo, but that got derailed when the quarterback opted to undergo shoulder surgery in March. So when the offseason game of quarterback musical chairs ended, Garoppolo was the one left without a seat.
The option to stay with the 49ers remained, though. It just wasn't going to be at the $24.2 million base salary Garoppolo was scheduled to earn in 2022, and he wouldn't be handed back his starting job. So San Francisco reduced his salary-cap figure, and we get one more season of Garoppolo on the roster.
Just how entrenched in trade conversations were the 49ers before news broke of the surgery?
"What I can tell you with great confidence is Combine time, there were really serious talks," Lynch said Thursday. "When I say serious, probably two, three teams that I felt like—you'd have to ask them—this was going to happen. And that's when that news (of the surgery) broke. Then things went where they went."
Lynch added: "I'm glad that we arrived where we're at. ... We're happy that he's here."
Garoppolo returns to a quarterback room that includes Lance and rookie Brock Purdy, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdy was a bit of a surprise to make the 53-man roster. The team typically only carries two quarterbacks into the regular season. However, Lynch and company didn't want to risk losing Purdy in the waiver system in an attempt to get the rookie quarterback to the practice squad.
"Brock came in from Day 1, just kind of showed a grasp for our offense," Lynch said. "It wasn't too big. I think his experience [helped]. This is a guy who's played a lot of football. Just command and presence. He steps into that huddle, and it's his huddle. And not afraid to throw into small windows. There's just a lot to like, and he just earned that spot. ... If you have a guy like him, you don't want to expose him (to waivers). We didn't, and we like that room, the way it's constructed right now."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' John Lynch admits trade talks are heating up ahead of deadline
Will the San Francisco 49ers make a move before the NFL trade deadline? General manager John Lynch offered no hints about the team's plans during his Friday morning interview with Bay Area radio station KNBR. However, he acknowledged that trade discussions are heating up as the... -
49ers' George Kittle admits to asking John Lynch for trade intel, inquired about Khalil Mack
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says he's not sure why the team is constantly linked to players as a potential trade destination. He's certainly heard the speculation surrounding Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack, and not just from fans. On Friday... -
Kyle Shanahan shares how Raheem Morris is making 49ers' defense more aggressive
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan likes what he's seen from defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, particularly the aggressive approach Morris has brought to the defense this season. That should come as no surprise. The two have been close friends for years. But it... -
49ers' Sebastian Valdez is Making the Most of His Opportunity
Sebastian Valdez has spent more than a year waiting for his opportunity to make an impact. Now that he has finally gotten one, he is making it count. Valdez signed with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and spent the season on the practice squad. He...