As San Francisco 49ers Jimmy Garrapolo walked slowly back to the locker room after suffering a loss to the Los Angeles Rams, 20-17. This may have been his final walk back to the 49ers locker room. There have been trading rumors discussing Garappolo’s whereabouts for several years. However, it seems to have come to a head at the end of this year.
Garropollo and the San Francisco 49er’s latest comeback was derailed when he attempted to extend a play. He threw a pass that fell off the fingertips of his running back, JaMycal Hasty, hands into Rams linebacker Travin Howard. Ultimately, this ended the 49ers season. This will force the 49ers to look at the scope of their future this offseason and part ways with Jimmy G.
RAMS GET THE INT AND THAT SHOULD BE GAME 😱
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/329LNk80jP
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2022
Just minutes later, Garrappolo stood in front of the media and elaborated his emotions during the moment. Staring directly into the reality of the following season and the uncertainty of his future.
“The emotions hit hard in the locker room,” Garoppolo expressed. “In the next few days, it will sink in even more. Emotions run high after a game, whether it’s a win or loss. You have to appreciate the experience, find reasons to smile, and focus on the positives. The coming days and weeks will determine what happens, but I have deep affection for this team. Their resilience and determination throughout the year have been truly remarkable. I have great love for my teammates.”
Jimmy G’s journey with the San Francisco 49ers
The opportunity to play one more game with the team that gave him a shot by trading a second-round draft pick in 2017. After making the Super Bowl in 2019, Jimmy G received a record-breaking five-year $137.5 million contract. However, Garrapolo threw for 232 yards, completing 16 of 30 passes, including two touchdowns and one interception. He had a passer rating of 87.1 after Sunday’s performance. He delivered some big throws but also delivered the dagger turnover when the game counted the most.
After the loss, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wasn’t ready to let Jimmy G go but instead offered gratitude and appreciation for his performance.
“I really like Jimmy,” Shanahan said. “I don’t want to make any farewell statements at the moment. I have a lot on my mind. Jimmy has battled his ass off, he battled today and he did some unbelievable things today. I love coaching Jimmy.”
Contractual complications with Garrpolog going forward
The remainder of the time Shanahan will coach Garropolo remains to be untold. However, it this no secret the 49ers have tried t move on from Jimmy G. They traded up for the number three draft pick in last year’s draft to select Trey Lance. Parting ways with Jimmy G won’t be easy though due to his guaranteed money in the final year of his contract. He’s scheduled to make $26.9 million, though the San Francisco 49ers would incur a charge of only $1.4 in dead money by trading or releasing Garropolo in the offseason. The 49ers prefer to trade Garropolo with multiple teams around the league hoping in return they get a proven starter. However, this may not seem likely, due to the fact, for any team aiming to acquire Jimmy G may have to offer a contract extension.
“He did a great job this season,” said Trent Williams, the left tackle for the 49ers. “Nobody wants to be in his situation, but you couldn’t tell. Jimmy is a true gentleman. He carried himself with professionalism every day. I’m proud of him. He’s like a brother to me.”
“I have no regrets about this year,” Garoppolo stated.
