Out in California, NFL drama is hitting peak levels.
However, the San Francisco 49ers are avoiding drama with one of their players.
That player is quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
He is one of the three players making headlines for the team in 2022.
But those headlines have been ones about why the team needs to trade him.
Now the team wants to avoid the drama they’ve dealt with since the offseason began with Jimmy G.
They made one simple move so far to stop that drama from happening.
San Francisco Told Jimmy To Stay Home During The Team’s OTAs
During the offseason, team players take part in organized team activities (OTAs).
However, the 49ers opted to tell their quarterback to stay home during their OTAs for 2022.
While these OTA minicamps are mandatory for players, the team is giving Garoppolo a free pass.
The move makes sense for both the 49ers and Jimmy G.
Jimmy Garoppolo appears to still be on pace to get cleared in July, #49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. He said it didn't make sense for him to stop his rehab program for three days to attend this minicamp. He continues PT on his shoulder in Southern California.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) June 7, 2022
It gives the 49ers a chance to let Trey Lance get 100% of the snaps during these minicamp sessions.
However, it also helps Garoppolo, who’s recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent earlier this year.
Placing him in a matchup with Lance while still trying to recover would cause more drama than the 49ers already have with their other players.
So while some might think only one side benefits from Jimmy missing those OTAs, it actually benefits everyone.
Can Trey Lance Shine During Minicamp Without Garoppolo Around?
With many people believing Lance is the next starter for the 49ers, he can prove that during the three-day minicamp.
However, if he does poorly during the minicamp, it could hurt his chances of going into the regular season as the starting quarterback.
So this move puts pressure on him to show the 49ers he’s ready to become their next starting quarterback.
But pressure is something Lance is accustomed to as a quarterback.
His scouting report showed how he could throw passes while facing defensive pressure.
Trey Lance stands tall in the pocket and delivers the pass with pressure bearing down and in his face 👏👏👏
6/New #49ers QB Trey Lance pic.twitter.com/9lLPvQPyVx
— Cubby Strickland (@cubbystrickland) April 30, 2021
While that pressure is different, it shows he can deal with on-the-field pressure in game situations.
That is what the 49ers are looking for from him in 2022.
If he can do this as a starting quarterback in the NFL, Lance will become the clear number one guy for San Francisco.
Will The 49ers Be Better Off With Lance As Quarterback?
With the transitioning of Lance as starting quarterback slowly appearing to be a reality, would that be the best move?
It could be the answer they need for an offense that didn’t take full advantage of Deebo Samuel in the passing game.
While Samuel had great numbers, he only had double-digit receptions.
Top receivers like Cooper Kupp and Davante Adams had triple-digit receptions.
Had Samuel gotten reception numbers like those receivers, he might have shattered reception yardage records.
Lance could give him that chance, as he’s a passing quarterback that has no fear in the pocket.
He can also make plays with his legs if needed, giving him an added dimension of depth at quarterback.
With those qualities, San Francisco might be better off giving him the keys to their offense.
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