49ers’ George Kittle Says Jimmy Garoppolo Isn’t One To Back Down From Trey Lance Challenge

The San Francisco 49ers took the NFL community by surprise by trading a bevvy of draft picks to move up to #3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. And perhaps even more surprising was their admission to draft a quarterback with that pick. Thus invariably leaving the future of Jimmy Garoppolo in the lurch.

Garoppolo joined the side in 2017 after being traded in from the New England Patriots. Being their QB1 ever since Garoppolo has had varied success in the league.

While he was part of the Niners side that made the Super Bowl in 2020, doubts have been raised over the quarterback’s accuracy and longevity.

With the Niners opting to draft NDSU QB Trey Lance, Garoppolo will have to compete with his eventual successor through the course of the season. And according to tight end George Kittle, Garoppolo is making sure the Niners take notice of his hunger to succeed.

Jimmy Garoppolo is ready to prove his doubters wrong

With the Niners not looking to trade Garoppolo this season, he is expected to be the starter come Week 1. And it’s a role that Kittle believes Garoppolo isn’t looking to give away anytime soon.

READ MORE – Patriots Rookie Mac Jones Continues To Impress as He Looks To Deliver the ‘Knockout’ to Cam Newton

“He’s not going to stay away from adversity, shy away from a draft pick. He has a fire lit under him, and he’s excited to roll,” said Kittle while talking to 49ersWebzone.com.

Kittle further said that Garoppolo looked as good as ever at the team’s OTAs. With experience under his belt, Garoppolo knows, a good showing can push back Lance’s NFL debut.

 “I know Coach Shanahan said it. I think I said it too, I think Jimmy played one of his best OTAs that I’ve seen. He was just slinging it left and right, so that was fun to see.”

Garoppolo knows that his starting role is under threat. Lance enters the NFL with expectations of being the final piece to coach Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast offense.

READ MORE – Keep or Trade – How Should the New England Patriots Proceed With Stephon Gilmore?

While that could be the case in the near future, one shouldn’t expect Garoppolo to go down without a fight.