Mitchell Trubisky disappeared for a season. Marcus Mariota was mostly out of sight for the past two years.
Those quarterbacks took steps backward in order to move forward this offseason with presumptive starting roles with their new teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons.
And that could be the same approach Jimmy Garoppolo is forced to take this season with starting opportunities around the NFL drying up.
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There was little question Garoppolo fared well enough statistically last season to be considered a starting quarterback for a good number of the teams with vacancies to fill this offseason.
Garoppolo ranked second in the NFL in average gain per pass attempt (8.6 yards), sixth in the NFL in completion percentage (68.3 percent), ninth in pass rating (98.7) and 12th in yards passing (3,810).
But after tearing a torn thumb ligament in the 49ers’ Week 16 at Tennessee, he sustained a shoulder injury in the playoff opener. His injury clearly contributed to his declining performances during the playoffs.
Garoppolo opted for surgery on March 8, which means he will be unable to throw until approximately a month before training camp.
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The 49ers figured to have Garoppolo traded long ago. Now, it looks to be a long shot they will be able to find a team willing to make a deal.
It is conceivable Garoppolo could end up as a starter with Carolina or Seattle. If those options do not pan out, his best bet might be to begin the season as a backup.
Unless Trey Lance flops during the offseason, it is difficult to imagine Garoppolo returning to the 49ers as a starter.
Would he want to return to the 49ers under any circumstances? That much is not known.
He would likely be forced to accept a dramatic pay cut to remain with the 49ers as a backup.
Ultimately, he might decide his best chance of setting himself up for a starting role in 2023 is to return to the 49ers as a supportive teammate and remain ready for any opportunity to get his number called this year.
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Mariota did not start a game the past two seasons with the Raiders. Trubisky sat behind Josh Allen for his one season with Buffalo.
Likewise, Garoppolo might discover taking a backup role for one season is his most logical path toward working his way back into a starting role.