Shanahan: Garoppolo could remain with 49ers in 2022

Although Trey Lance is the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback of the future, coach Kyle Shanahan left the door open for a potential Jimmy Garoppolo return in 2022.

"There's a chance for anything, but I think we've made it pretty clear that Trey Lance is our guy of the future, whenever that happens," Shanahan said, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

"But it's also nothing against Jimmy that we took (Lance). ... And like I said, I think it would be really hard if Jimmy's on (the team) for (Lance) to beat him out right away."

He continued: "So, it's kind of going like that right now. And we're not getting much past that."

San Francisco traded multiple picks to select Lance No. 3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The rookie has started once this season while serving as Garoppolo's backup.

Garoppolo has thrown for 2,112 yards, 12 touchdowns, and five interceptions while completing 66% of his passes during his fifth campaign in San Francisco. The veteran passer, who signed a five-year, $137.5-million contract extension with the Niners in 2018, would have a salary-cap number of $27 million if he returns to the club next season.

However, Garoppolo isn't thinking about what's in store for him in the future.

"Honestly, with the possibilities, I try not to close any doors too early," Garoppolo said. "It’s one of those situations where you got to let it play out, I think.

"We got a lot going on with the season right now. You start thinking about those other things, you just get distracted. When we cross that bridge, we’ll assess everything then."

The Niners, who sit third in the NFC West, find themselves in the hunt for a wild-card spot with a 5-5 record. They'll seek to extend their winning streak to three games Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.