Joe Montana Believes Jimmy Garoppolo Should Be 49ers' Starting QB in 2023

San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana doesn't see a need to shake up the status quo in the team's quarterback room.

Montana told Bally Sports' Michael Silver he believes the Niners should re-sign Jimmy Garoppolo and position him as the starter in 2023.

"He has won a lot of games," Montana said. "I can't say the same for Trey [Lance]. You don't know that from him. I don't think it's hard. I think you just start Jimmy."

Garoppolo played well in 2022 before suffering a broken foot that ended his season. He threw for 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 appearances.

There's no question the 31-year-old is more proven under center than Lance or Brock Purdy, who was pressed into duty to finish out the year. But once again installing him as the starter would be risky.

For one, the foot injury underscored how Garoppolo has struggled to stay healthy since his trade to San Francisco in 2017. He has logged a full season just once.

Starting Jimmy G would also mean wasting another year of Lance and failing to get a true picture of what you have with the 2021 top-five pick. Sooner or later you have to let him sink or swim.

Given his impending free agency, you'd expect Garoppolo will be on a different team next season. Montana may not be the only person who will lobby for the 49ers to bring him back as the starter, though.