49ers HC Kyle Shanahan: Jimmy Garoppolo is 'one of the better throwers on this planet'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/23/22

Throughout the offseason, all signs pointed toward the San Francisco 49ers trading away or releasing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo ahead of the 2022 season.

With the future of their franchise, Trey Lance, ready to take the reins, parting ways with Garoppolo seemed like a no-brainer. However, the Niners decided to hold onto Garoppolo as an insurance policy, and boy, is it paying off now.

Last week, Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks, meaning Garoppolo will be the man under center the rest of the way, barring injury.

Garoppolo had a solid but unspectacular outing in relief of Lance in Week 2. The 30-year-old finished 13-of-21 for 154 yards and a touchdown in a 49ers' 27-7 victory.

Speaking with the media on Friday, head coach Kyle Shanahan gave Garoppolo some shocking praise.

"I think Jimmy is one of the better throwers on this planet," Shanahan said. "That's been one of his No. 1 attributes."

Garoppolo agreed to a restructured contract in August to stay a 49er. Scheduled to make $7 million this season, Garoppolo will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

Earlier this week, ESPN insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano dispelled rumors that the 49ers may hold onto Garoppolo if he plays well this season.

However things play out, it's bound to be an interesting season by the Bay.

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