49ers' Lynch: 'We believe Jimmy Garoppolo is going to be our guy'
Despite reported questions on how Jimmy Garrapolo fits into the San Francisco 49ers' long-term plans, general manager John Lynch appears to be pleased with his prized acquisition.
A report surfaced from ESPN's Adam Schefter last weekend indicating the 49ers could still draft a quarterback or make a run at Kirk Cousins in the offseason, even though they just acquired Garrapolo from New England. Lynch didn't outright deny the report, though he did say bringing in Garrapolo was a no-brainer.
"Because, No. 1, we’re huge believers in Jimmy Garoppolo and his ability to be a franchise quarterback, so much so that we inquired throughout this last offseason and was quickly shut down by Bill Belichick," Lynch said during a weekly radio appearance on KNBR radio, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. "But we did inquire as to his availability. And so we’re huge believers in what he brings to the table."
Lynch added that even though Garoppolo hasn't played for the 49ers yet, he's been impressive since the trade.
"But what I think was clear and what needs to be communicated to our fan base is that we have great belief (in Garoppolo) and that’s only been strengthened in the week that he’s been here because he does special things on the practice field and he does some special things in the meeting room," Lynch said.
"Is there some unknowns? He hasn’t played a ton of football. Yeah, we’re fully aware of that. But we feel, and I think a lot of people feel, throughout this league feel, that we got a tremendous deal on a guy that has all the makings of a franchise quarterback. We’re thrilled to have him and that’s what Jimmy Garoppolo is to us."
Lynch added that he didn't think the report came from the 49ers.
"I’m pretty confident on this one that this one (report) wasn’t from us," Lynch added. "Schefter ... had the story early. Kyle and I are down there, and the next thing you know he’s on the line. So there was communication, but I can tell you what’s important is what we believe. And we believe Jimmy Garoppolo is going to be our guy."