"As for the quarterback position, Kyle (Shanahan) and I both have spoken, and spoken fairly directly as to the fact that we expect Jimmy to be our quarterback," Lynch told reporters during an end-of-season press conference. "That's consistently met with other stories, but that's not of concern to us."
That hasn't stopped a significant amount of speculation surrounding the quarterback's future. The 49ers have been linked to nearly every quarterback trade rumor. They reportedly inquired about Matthew Stafford and Carson Wentz, but there is no evidence that it was anything more than the team doing its due diligence.
Many assume San Francisco will look into upgrading at quarterback, especially if Deshaun Watson becomes available. So Clark Judge and Ira Kaufman of the Eye Test for Two podcast went straight to the source — Lynch — for answers.
The 49ers general manager was asked if there is any doubt that Garoppolo is the team's quarterback in September, should he be injury-free.
"No," Lynch immediately responded. "Not at all. I really believe that. Just look at the numbers. He's [24-9] when he's played."
Lynch admits that injuries are a concern. Garoppolo has missed 23 games over the past three seasons, after all. But the entire team was plagued by injuries this past season. Lynch says the 49ers have taken "a hard look at what we can do to control those injuries."
"Though, being available is a big part of this thing," Lynch continued. "So, like I said, we probably, as a stated goal, we have to insulate ourselves better, and we have to have better options if he's not there."
Garoppolo has started one full season in his career. That came in 2019 as part of a 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl but fell just short of a championship. That success appears to be enough to make Lynch and company confident in Garoppolo's ability to get them back to that spot.
"I've watched people go through this in their careers where they struggled," Lynch shared. "It happened to me early, and then I went eight years without missing a practice. So, I believe that things can happen. I believe they will for him, and I really believe that Jimmy is our guy."
Added Lynch: "We are seriously looking forward to kind of rebooting our team and making a run at this thing next year. And I believe we've got what it takes to compete for a championship. We've got to add to it, we've got to improve, but I'm excited about that opportunity."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Lynch below.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers have reason to believe Brock Purdy will prove latest ranking wrong
There is disrespect, and then there is whatever this is. Recently, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy found himself on the wrong side of the latest quarterback ranking. Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated released his preseason quarterback rankings and placed Purdy... -
49ers' Nick Bosa has huge financial incentive in pivotal 2026 comeback
The absence of defensive end Nick Bosa had a devastating impact on the San Francisco 49ers defense last season. With the team's premier pass rusher sidelined by a torn ACL, the defense managed just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. The 49ers attempted to bolster their pass... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy... -
Where 49ers' Fred Warner landed in ESPN's off-ball linebacker rankings after injury
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner remains one of the NFL's most respected defensive players. Although he missed 11 games last season after suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle, the All-Pro linebacker still earned the top spot in a prominent offseason...