Part 2/8:

To understand the need for a new quarterback, one must first reflect on the roller-coaster that was Jimmy Garoppolo’s tenure with the 49ers. Garoppolo joined the 49ers mid-season in 2017, showcasing his potential by winning five of their last six games, a performance that led them to hand him a lucrative contract despite his limited experience.

In the years that followed, his performances fluctuated dramatically—punctuated by severe injuries in both 2018 and 2020. Nevertheless, it was Garoppolo’s 2019 season that led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, where they faced the Kansas City Chiefs. The lingering memory of Garoppolo’s missed opportunity to deliver a game-winning pass added to the growing sentiment that he wasn’t entirely reliable.