George Kittle Supports Jimmy Garoppolo as 49ers QB Amid Tom Brady Rumors

As rumors circulate that the San Francisco 49ers are interested in Tom Brady, at least one prominent member of the team is publicly supporting their current quarterback.

All-Pro tight end George Kittle posted an image of himself with Jimmy Garoppolo on Instagram, along with a message: "Lets run it back 10!"

In an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio, NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran ignited rumors of the 49ers and Brady having mutual interest in each other. 

Curran also speculated that the 49ers could look to trade Garoppolo back to New England, where he was Brady's backup from 2014-17, if Brady signs with the reigning NFC champions. 

Before acquiring Garoppolo from the Patriots in October 2017, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (h/t CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson) reported San Francisco general manager John Lynch asked Bill Belichick about Brady's availability but was immediately rebuffed. 

Garoppolo has been a critical component of San Francisco's success. He won five straight games at the end of 2017 with a team that was 1-10 before he became the starting quarterback.

A torn ACL limited Garoppolo to just three games in 2018, but he returned last season to help the 49ers reach the postseason for the first time since 2013. The 28-year-old threw for 3,978 yards and 29 touchdowns with a 69.1 completion percentage in 2019, his first full season as a starter. 

Kittle was Garoppolo's favorite target last season with 1,053 yards and 85 receptions. 

The 49ers boast one of the most talented rosters in the NFL after reaching Super Bowl LIV with Garoppolo as their quarterback.