At one point in the 2017 NFL season, the 49ers looked as though they might rival the Browns for a winless record. But general manager John Lynch orchestrated a late trade to help save their season.
Lynch brought in Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with six weeks left in the season. Garoppolo started the 49ers' last five games, winning them all, while finishing the year with a 96.2 QB rating.
Garoppolo is set to become a free agent this spring, leaving the 49ers with a few options. They can either let him test the market, slap him with the franchise tag or work out a long-term deal. Lynch is hoping for the latter.
SIGN UP with DAZN to watch the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LII."When you find the right guy at that position, it's really good for your franchise," Lynch said, via NFL.com. "We believe we've found the right guy. Now the challenge is getting Jimmy signed. We're working hard toward that. We'll see. I think he wants to be with us and we want him there. I think it makes too much sense not to happen. So, it's just a matter of getting it done."
The 49ers' second order of business this offseason will be surrounding Garoppolo with playmakers. Running back Carlos Hyde is set to become a free agent, while the receiving corps struggled to pick up steam, especially after Pierre Garcon's injury.
San Francisco beat three playoff teams during their final five-game winning streak, but it has some work to do this offseason to compete for a playoff spot itself next season.