One of the more whispered storylines to go into the San Francisco 49ers offseason was quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and his candidacy for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In Week 3 of 2018, he tore his ACL, derailing the high hopes for the 49ers season and letting them sink back to mediocrity.
There’s been odds and speculation, and now NFL analyst Bucky Brooks joins the fun by having Garoppolo as one (of many) candidates for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
It could be a make-or-break year for Jimmy G, with the 49ers looking for franchise-quarterback play from their $137.5 million asset. The sixth-year pro could respond in splendid fashion with a strong performance in an upgraded offense under Kyle Shanahan’s direction. Considering how the offensive guru elevated Nick Mullens a season ago, Garoppolo could play at an MVP level for San Francisco this season, with a number of new weapons at his disposal.
We’ve already talked about if Garoppolo is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. Several times. Let’s take it one step further and look at any other possible 49ers eligible for the award. Garoppolo is the clear front-runner but I also wonder if Jerick McKinnon could get some votes or (no one will agree with this) Solomon Thomas. There’s not exactly a clause that says a player has to be a rockstar before dealing with turmoil, but if the player had poor performance and then lit things on fire—it follows the definition.
Thomas was clearly affected by his own personal issues in 2018 and his play was below-satisfactory. Could he win comeback player of the year?
Garoppolo is the safe pick for Comeback Player of the Year, but do you see any other 49ers as possible candidates for the award? Sleeper picks?