49ers HC Kyle Shanahan throws shade at Jimmy Garoppolo post Raiders trade
Jimmy Garoppolo is the new quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. After being pushed down the pecking order by Trey Lance and Brock Purdy, Garoppolo knew the writing was on the wall.
Now in the AFC, Garoppolo can look forward to a new challenge and a fresh start with an organization that desperately wants to get back to the postseason. So, what are the feelings between San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Garoppolo?
The 49ers head coach was asked if he has spoken to Garoppolo since his move to Las Vegas. Shanahan was rather brutal in his response.
Shanahan said via Nick Wagoner of ESPN:
"That would be impossible. You've gotta run into Jimmy to have a conversation with him."
#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if he's talked to Jimmy Garoppolo since he moved on to the Raiders.
Shanahan's response: "That would be impossible. You've gotta run into Jimmy to have a conversation with him."
Going by Shanahan's comments, Garoppolo isn't the easiest person to get ahold of and also isn't one to be checking in on anyone, either. Whether this is true or not is unknown, but we have to take Shanahan's words at face value.
It was certainly a rather strong comment for his former quarterback, who he spent multiple years with. On the other hand, he might just be being honest about what the quarterback is really like.
What are the expectations for Jimmy Garoppolo in Las Vegas?
Considering the reason (we think) for Derek Carr to be moved on, the minimum expectation for Garoppolo is to get the Raiders into the playoffs. That might be harder than many think as the AFC West is a seriously tough division.
The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the Los Angeles Chargers all call that division home and are expected to be better than last season.
Garoppolo will look to form a connection with receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, along with running back Josh Jacobs, as they look to close the gap on the other AFC West teams.
There will be no honeymoon period for Garoppolo as Raiders fans want to win and win now. Whether he is the player to take them forward and to a potential Super Bowl appearance is unknown, but one this is for sure, Jimmy Garoppolo is already on the clock.