Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is preparing for a transfer, according to San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
• Also read: Tom Brady: the last of the Expos to retire
• Also read: Tom Brady is richer than ever
“I can’t think of a scenario where that would be the case,” the pilot said when asked at a news conference about a possible return of “Jimmy G” with his team in 2023.
Garoppolo has spent the last six seasons with the Niners, who acquired him from the New England Patriots in 2017. The 31-year-old is expected to become a free agent next March.
Last year, the 49ers attempted to trade Garoppolo before the start of the season after publicly implying that Trey Lance would be their starting quarterback in 2022. Unable to send him elsewhere, the California organization eventually reached an agreement with the player to restructure his contract.
However, Garoppolo was the ‘Niners’ starter for 10 games this season as Lance suffered a serious season-ending injury in the second week of action.
The veteran injured his foot during the Week 13 clash and Brock Purdy found himself behind center. The player selected with the very last pick of the last NFL auction then led his team to eight straight wins. His amazing streak ended last week when the 49ers lost 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Conference Finals.
During the duel, Purdy suffered a serious elbow injury that may require surgery.
Shanahan said he expects his young quarterback to be 100 percent fit by the time training camp opens. He also claimed that Purdy and Lance would compete for the starting job next season.