SANTA CLARA CA — For as shocked as the San Francisco 49ers They were able to keep quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo This contract was significantly less than Garoppolo’s original expectations for his offseason.
Garoppolo spoke with Bay Area media on Thursday for the first times since February 1st and the first since Monday’s signing of a revised one year contract to remain in San Francisco. This is not the position Garoppolo had envisioned himself returning after saying goodbye to his team, fans and media during the winter.
Garoppolo believed that a chance to start somewhere else would arise, despite a turbulent offseason, which included right shoulder surgery.
“[Returning] Garoppolo explained that it was not on my mind to be totally honest. “I was training here. It was my duty to be there, so that I could train. I was trying to heal my body. … I felt extremely confident out there, and I knew I was ready for anything. Now I need to find it. These last few days, everything just fell into place.”
For much of the offseason Garoppolo and Niners appeared to be in serious trouble. Trey Lance Take over as quarterback
Garoppolo stated that Garoppolo and his representatives had “a lot” of discussions with other teams, but nothing ever got to the stage where another team spoke to Garoppolo about re-working their contract to facilitate trades.
The shoulder surgery could have made a difference, but that would not have happened. General manager John Lynch stated that any serious interest in Garoppolo’s shoulder surgery was gone at the spring NFL owners’ meetings.
Lynch said that he thought something was close before Thursday.
Lynch shared that “I can tell you with great certainty that there was combine time. There were serious talks with probably two or three teams. I felt — you would have to ask them — this was gonna occur.” “And that was when the news broke.”
However, Garoppolo was able to resume throwing in June and was cleared to practice at Niners camp on July 26. This interest was never renewed as most needy teams already had their quarterback positions filled.
Lynch explained that this is why Lynch was a little lost. “Yeah. You can talk with his doctor, you are able to talk to our doctor. He can talk to many people, and he was doing well. We are happy they didn’t. We are glad he’s here.”
The 49ers were able to keep Garoppolo in their sights throughout the preseason, as they didn’t have any deadlines. This allowed them to be ready for when an injury occurred elsewhere.
Garoppolo admitted that even though there were less chances of this happening, he still considered asking San Francisco for release. He decided not to pull the trigger after a four-plus year run that had been mostly successful.
Garoppolo stated, “That was not the way I wanted it to be.” “I believe that there was an inkling of it at one time, trust me, but it was fleeting.” … I’m one those people who don’t like to stir the pot too much and just want to let the things flow. That’s how the training camp went and I was content with it.
The situation finally reached its zenith this week when the Niners had the decision to make regarding Garoppolo’s continued inclusion on their roster. Coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that, despite all previous assertions, Garoppolo was not guaranteed to be kept at the previous salary-cap of $26.9million.
Garoppolo had to decide if he wanted to stay or go to work. He also had to determine a better situation for himself.
Garoppolo stated that he chose to go for the former Thursday because of his familiarity and knowledge with the team, his coaches, and most importantly, how he plans to continue his career beyond 2022. Garoppolo had to include a no-trade clause and no-tag clause into his new contract.
Garoppolo explained, “Seeing the other possibilities that were available and you weigh in all the pros and con’s of each.” Trust me, there was much back and forth with other teams about what I wanted for my future. And this is what I got.
Garoppolo, just a few minutes before meeting with the media was back on practice field in his regular No. 10 jersey. Although it was familiar, Garoppolo finished second in individual drills, Lance was first.
Garoppolo’s dual new and old realities make it all possible. Garoppolo, Lance and their unique circumstances seem to be unconcerned for the moment.
Shanahan met with Garoppolo’s quarterbacks before bringing Garoppolo home. His message was simple. Nothing is changing in the way business is managed.
Lance stated, “It’s not mine decision, it is an organization decision.” “Jimmy has been on the roster for all of this time. It was obvious that I had a chance of him returning. Jimmy and I have never had any bad blood. I was thrilled to have him back, and my arms were open wide.