With no apparent significant changes to the quarterback, the 49ers ’early free agency moves have supported the confidence of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch during the offseason to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Although there was speculation about the possibility of generating a backup via free trade or agency to compete with Garoppolo at some level, nothing was done. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett, Cam Newton and Jameis Winston got offers and opportunities to get started. The only rumored interest in San Francisco was in former Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky, who signed a one-year deal with the Bills. His only informed openings to an interlocutor were a face-to-face visit with veteran QB Joe Flacco.
Except for a trade or a significant rise in the board on draft day, it seems Garoppolo has a limit on initial work.
Instead of trying to find a player to push Garoppolo, San Francisco has made moves to help protect him and restore a defense capable of winning a championship.
They signed left-back Trent Williams with a record contract making him the highest paid offensive player in the league. They also added Pro Bowl sixth baseman Alex Mack to a three-year deal that would bolster a poor quality inside offensive line that has given the 49ers problems over the past two seasons. Keeping Garoppolo healthy is key and keeping him upright will go a long way toward that.
San Francisco also re-signed winger Kyle Juszczyk, who is one of the keys to unlocking the running game that makes the 49ers offense so dangerous. Versatility and deception allow runners to find open holes and pass catchers to run freely, both of which make life easier for a quarterback who may need help playing.
While they have not made any other major additions on offense, they have re-signed cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett, who plan to go to training camp as starters on the outside. The 49ers also bolstered their passing run with hyper-athletic runner Samson Ebukam, who offers depth on the edge and a possible Dee Ford replacement in case the often-injured defensive end is not available.
There are still some changes to be made before the 49ers have a roster that can legitimately compete for a Super Bowl this year. They need more depth in the wide receiver, they still need extra help for the corner and a greater depth in the trenches would not hurt either side of the ball.
If they are able to tick all those boxes this offseason and stay healthy, it’s not out of the question for them to fight for a championship again if Garoppolo starts below center.
The truth is that they have been building a list that can be won with a player like him embroidering signals. Combine an explosive hasty attack with a gang of pass catchers who have the specialty a few yards after capture.
This is a team that can win even if their quarterback has shortcomings. Pieces of the passing attack and some frustrating sacks and changes will be missing due to what Garoppolo is missing, but the organization clearly believes they can win with him this year. Everything they have said and all the moves of the low season have made them respond.
On the other hand, there is still time for the club to make a shot. Texan quarterback Deshaun Watson still wants a trade, though he is now being investigated by the NFL for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The Jets could also change quarterback Sam Darnold. The draft will also tell us a lot about how the 49ers feel about Garoppolo. If they change quarterback in the first round, it will put some uncertainty about their starting status during the season, even if it’s the start of the year.
San Francisco has not taken steps to commit to Garoppolo beyond this year, in part because of his shortcomings on the field and in part because of his inability to stay healthy in two of the last three years. The steps they have taken have all pointed to confidence in him in 2021. With a list of talent to be built around him, how far the 49ers will go this season will determine the type of game they get from the signal call that they decide to keep.