Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers might once more turn to a quarterback previously associated with the New England Patriots to bolster their roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Shanahan has demonstrated a consistent interest in quarterbacks who have been mentored by the renowned Bill Belichick, showcasing a trend in his player acquisition strategy over recent seasons.
In the midst of the 2017 season, the New England Patriots traded Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo remained with the 49ers through the 2022 season, guiding them to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season. After Garoppolo’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders last season, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed interest in enticing Tom Brady out of retirement for a Super Bowl push in 2023. Quarterback Brock Purdy claimed he was aware of Shanahan’s strategy to install Brady as the starter if they could secure his signing. However, that scenario didn’t materialize, and Purdy ultimately led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in February. With Purdy’s impending departure, fueled by cap space constraints, the 49ers are expected to lose his backup, Sam Darnold, to free agency.
Adam Wells with Bleacher Report thinks Garoppolo would be the best fit with the 49ers for next season:
“49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn’t publicly said anything negative about Garoppolo, but his actions over the years do indicate he was ready to move on long before it actually happened…
Looking at where things stand with the quarterback depth chart going into 2024, the 49ers need a backup. Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen, their No. 2 and 3 options this season, are set to become free agents.
The only time in his career that Garoppolo has had any sustained success in the NFL was in Shanahan’s system. He went 38-17 in 55 regular-season starts with the 49ers from 2017 to ’22, leading the team to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance in the 2019 season.”
The San Francisco 49ers need a solid backup for Brock Purdy
Garoppolo will miss the first two weeks of the upcoming season due to a suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. But that shouldn’t be an issue for the 49ers since Purdy will be the starter next season anyway.
The 49ers need someone who can run Shanahan’s system if Purdy is hurt. Garoppolo can do that. He’d be the 49ers best chance to win a Super Bowl next season if QB1 goes down.
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