Garoppolo on Lance: Whatever I can do to help him, I’ll be more than happy

For the first time in what feels like an eternity, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had a public appearance. Jimmy G appeared on the Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin Show on ESPN Radio Tuesday morning to discuss Trey Lance.

Jimmy has been in a similar situation before in his career. Last time, he was the young QB coming to take the veterans job:

“It’s kind of coming full circle. You go through this NFL career, and you start as a young guy coming in. Tom kind of showed me the ropes. The competition between us was awesome. It really made me grow as a rookie and as a young player. So, that’s kind of what me and Trey, we’ll mold our relationship into that. But it will happen naturally. It’s one of those things you can’t force anything. Just let it come as it may.”

There’s a team bringing in a QB to enhance the competition at the position. Then there’s a team trading two future first-rounders to move into the top three of the NFL Draft to select your replacement.

Garoppolo’s unlikely to remain in San Francisco after the 2021 season. But he has a chance to make people forget about 2018 and 2020 by putting together a strong ‘21 campaign. If the addition of Lance doesn’t bring the best out of Jimmy G, I’m not sure what will.

We were so adamant that Garoppolo was a goner due to the dynamic having two starters on your roster creates. After every mistake this year, the peanut gallery will be screaming for the rookie. For the fans, Jimmy’s leash will be shorter than ever.

For those that want Lance to have a special “package,” there’s an issue with that, too. Let’s say Lance comes in and lights it up. All of a sudden, the 49ers are moving the ball while the offense was stagnant with Garoppolo. In this hypothetical, how could you remove Lance if he just showed you he gives you the best chance to win?

The jump to the NFL won’t be easy for Trevor Lawrence, and he started for multiple years at the highest level. Knowing that’s true, Lance will need some tutoring. Thankfully, Garoppolo plans to assist him:

“I try to use my own personal experiences and just what I went through, what helped me, what challenged me as a young player. I’m going to use those tools that helped me and try to help Trey out. It’s hard to come into this league; I know how it was coming from an FCS school to the NFL. It’s a bit of an adjustment, the speed, whatever you want to call it, it’s just different. So, whatever I can do to help him, I’ll be more than happy.”

I’d love to know which area Garoppolo could assist Lance the most. It’s likely preparation, as the NFL is more than a full-time job. You have to live football.

Finally, Garoppolo acknowledges that the 49ers brass was open with him throughout the entire process:

“The communication has been good. There really hasn’t been anything unsaid. Everything has been put on the table. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play football. At the end of the day, that’s what I’m here for, that’s what I signed up for. As long as I have the opportunity to go out there and win some games and play good football, that’s all you can ask for at the end of the day. All you really need is an opportunity. If you get an opportunity, you’ve got to take advantage of it, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Garoppolo has to feel fortunate to have another opportunity. He has a chance to repeat his ‘19 performance and turn that into another big contract.

This upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in franchise history. It won’t come without drama at the quarterback position, but that was always going to be the case.