NFL Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo and 49ers open to extending contract till 2023
The relationship between two-time Super Bowl winner Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers may not be ending any time soon. The quarterback lost his starting job to second-year player Trey Lance this season after taking the team to the NFC Championship Game.
After injury befell Lance, Garoppolo was forced back into the starting role in what would be the final year of a restructured contract. The 49ers intended to move on, but according to Ian Rapoport, they might not be able to.
He believes that the changes in circumstances this season have caused both player and franchise to be open to Garoppolo returning in 2023.
Back in 2023?
The #49ers and QB Jimmy Garoppolo are both open to his return next season under the right circumstances, sources say. A scenario that seemed unfathomable a few months ago.
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The quarterback has piloted the 49ers to a 7-4 record and they have a real shot at winning the NFC West. If the playoffs began today, they would hold the third seed and host a playoff game.
Though they mortaged a lot of capital to move up and draft Lance, it seems like Garoppolo has potentially played his way back into the job. At the very worst, he's probably made a lot of teams more interested in him.
As for the 49ers, it will be a bit awkward if they're forced to choose between the two. Lance is the second-year quarterback they traded up to number two overall to get, but they know Garoppolo can win them games.
Having to potentially choose between two good quarterbacks isn't exactly a huge problem. Many teams would be envious of that choice.
What are the chances the 49ers will win the Super Bowl?
San Francisco came close to winning the Super Bowl recently, with Garoppolo taking them to the big game and having a late lead. The following year, they were in the NFC Championship Game, too.
This could be the year they finally get over the hump, though. They're relatively healthy and have a ferocious defense. The addition of Christian McCaffrey has added another dimension to their offense and makes them legitimate contenders.
Per FiveThirtyEight, the 49ers have a 7% chance of winning it all. Right now, that is the fifth-best chance. Statistics are all well and good, but they don't mean much going forward. San Francisco have a huge game in Week 13 with the Miami Dolphins, a real litmus test for the side.
We will see if San Francisco can record a victory as the season enters a critical phase.