Shanahan: There's a 'scenario' where Garoppolo stays with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers insist Jimmy Garoppolo could remain with the team despite putting the quarterback on the trade market. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan doesn't name starting QB, says there's a 'scenario' where Jimmy Garoppolo stays with team

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/29/22

One day after San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said that he doesn't "foresee" the organization releasing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, head coach Kyle Shanahan doubled down on the matter on Tuesday morning. Furthermore, Shanahan continues to keep both fans and the media guessing as to whether explosive rushing quarterback Trey Lance will indeed be the starting guy under center in 2022.

One day after 49ers’ GM John Lynch said the team had no plans to release QB Jimmy Garoppolo, HC Kyle Shanahan said there's a “scenario” in which Garoppolo does remain in San Francisco for the upcoming season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 29, 2022

#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, here at the NFC coaches breakfast, says he sees a scenario where Jimmy Garoppolo is on the roster in 2022 and acknowledges the surgery delayed trade talks. As for if both Trey Lance and Jimmy G are on the roster, Shanahan declines to name a starter.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2022

Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery earlier this month, but it was reported ahead of the procedure that Tom Brady's former backup with the New England Patriots would still "likely" be traded in March. Prior to the surgery, Lynch told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team wasn't aware of the extent of Garoppolo's injury, which occurred during the team's wild-card playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys.

Lynch also noted that at that point, "a lot of teams" had interest in Garoppolo.

In 15 regular-season games in 2021, Garoppolo finished with a 68.3% completion percentage, 3,810 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions, while picking up 51 yards on 38 rushing attempts. It has been expected that the Niners will be turning to Lance — who they chose third overall in the 2021 NFL Draft — in the 2022 season and beyond at quarterback.

Lance gained 168 yards and scored one touchdown on the ground via 38 carries as a rookie. The 21-year-old also went 41-for-71 (57.7%) with 603 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and two interceptions in 2021 through six games, including two starts.

More must-reads: