One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2021
By Randy Gurzi
San Francisco 49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback
This is one that could come as a big surprise, but it wasn’t that long ago that it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers were heading their separate ways.
It got a little weird when head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about it before the draft and he went a little overboard talking about how none of us might be alive after the draft. Following him sending us all to do some serious soul-searching, he and general manager John Lynch elected to take Trey Lance from North Dakota State.
This move was followed up with a proclamation that they wanted Jimmy G to stay with the team but it’s no secret that this isn’t for long. San Francisco clearly only wants him to stick around until Lance is ready to take over.
There are some concerns since Lance hardly played in 2020 and had limited experience before that — while also playing against lower competition. Having said all that, the idea that a young quarterback learns by sitting is a bit outdated. Instead, they learn by getting the reps in practice and in-game and due to the new CBA rules, the majority of the practice reps go to the starter.
As long as Lance comes into camp and proves he’s ready, Garoppolo could end up becoming a casualty. And that would be a wise move since turning the page would be best for both parties.