NFL Exec: Jimmy Garoppolo 'May Be Done' with 49ers Amid Struggles, Injuries

Multiple NFL executives reportedly believe the San Francisco 49ers will look to replace starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during the 2021 offseason.

Garoppolo is on injured reserve after suffering his second high-ankle sprain of the season in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks, but he's also struggled when healthy with seven touchdowns and five interceptions across six appearances.

"I think he may be done in San Francisco," one executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic on Thursday. "And if they keep him, it's only because they don't have another option."

It's been difficult to get a consistent read on Garoppolo since the Niners acquired him from the New England Patriots in an October 2017 trade.

He guided the team to five straight wins to finish the 2017 season, but he made just three appearances in 2018 before suffering a torn ACL.

Garoppolo bounced back with his best season as a pro in 2019, completing 69.1 percent of his throws for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 16 regular-season games. He proceeded to lead San Francisco to an appearance in Super Bowl LIV, a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The injuries combined with his lackluster play this year, which has resulted in a 67.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, has once again raised the question about whether he's a true franchise QB.

Put it all together and one NFL offensive coach told Sando they're "selling stock" in the 29-year-old Eastern Illinois product, while another suggested he can be effective only in the right scheme.

"You can't factor in too much of this season because he's been hurt the whole time, but in the Super Bowl, he proved what he is," an evaluator told The Athletic. "They don't trust him enough to put the ball in his hands and let him throw it around. His big gains come off of well-designed plays where he's not throwing the ball down the field. He is giving it to his playmakers, and they are making plays."

The question for the Niners is whether they'll be able to find an upgrade via free agency, a trade or the draft because it's unlikely the other signal-callers on their roster, C.J. Beathard or Nick Mullens, can fill the long-term void.

Garoppolo's contract will also play a role in the decision since the front office can save $24.1 million against the 2021 salary cap by releasing him, per Spotrac.

That makes it more likely than not the 49ers will open next season with a new starter under center.