Kittle backs Garoppolo: 'I think we can win a Super Bowl with him'
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo received a vote of confidence from teammate George Kittle on Tuesday.
Just one season after embarking in a run that culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers limped to a 6-10 showing in 2020. Garoppolo's play and durability caused some to question his long-term future, but Kittle ultimately shut down those concerns.
"I still believe in Jimmy G. I think we can win a Super Bowl with him. I think he's a fantastic quarterback," Kittle said, according to Fox Sports' Peter Schrager.
Kittle's backing of his quarterback reflects similar comments made by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. The sideline boss told reporters toward the end of the season he expects Garoppolo to be the starter in 2021.
The 49ers were also one of many teams that inquired about former Detroit Lions passer Matthew Stafford, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. San Francisco touched base with the Lions but never made an official offer due to their comfortability moving forward with Garoppolo.
Garoppolo only suited up for six games during the 2020 campaign due to a lingering ankle issue. He failed to replicate his previous form when he did play, as his yards per game (182.7), passer rating (92.4), and yards per attempt (7.8) declined from 2019.
The 29-year-old will count for a $26.4-million cap hit this year but can be moved for a modest cost of $2.8 million in dead money, per Spotrac.