Jimmy To The Rescue?

49ers hope newcomer can change team’s fortunes, develop into franchise QB

- Craig Massei

49ers hope newcomer can change team’s fortunes and develop into franchise QB

As 49ers general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan joined Jimmy Garoppolo on the front stage of the media auditorium at Levi’s Stadium, preparing to introduce the team’s next great hope at quarterback, the newcomer in the building didn’t choose to wait around to get things started.

With no provocation, Garoppolo got things rolling before the two team leaders flanking him had even settled into their seats.

“I’d like to start off just thanking everyone from this organization,” said Garoppolo, citing Lynch, Shanahan and other team executives who were instrumental in assembling the blockbuster deal that brought the fourth-year veteran to San Francisco just in time to beat the NFL’s Oct. 31 trading deadline, two days before Garoppolo’s 26th birthday.

“It’s a privilege to be here,” Garoppolo continued. “Things have really worked out. Just thrilled to be here.”

But nobody seemed more thrilled than the two men sitting on each side of Garoppolo, Lynch and Shanahan, who pulled the trigger on the deal that sent a 2018 second-round draft pick to the New England Patriots in a move intended to inject new life into the organization, not to mention fill the team’s significant void behind center and woeful need for a quality quarterback to right a wobbly franchise.

Lynch, who was expecting to deliver the opening remarks at Garoppolo’s introductory news conference, was somewhat taken aback by the forceful presence and intuition of his new addition. But in a delighted sort of way.

“I thought I was starting, but hey, have at it Jimmy,” Lynch said. “I think Kyle will tell you, a great quality of a quarterback — taking charge.”