Montana says Lance isn't ready to play yet, wants 49ers to keep Garoppolo

If it were up to San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana, the club would keep veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for a little longer.

Garoppolo has been San Francisco's main passer over the last four campaigns, but the 49ers are expected to move on from the veteran signal-caller this offseason and give the starting role to Trey Lance.

"I think they keep Jimmy until you find somebody else," Montana said on "Slow News Day with Kevin Clark" on Thursday when asked how he'd manage the 49ers' current quarterback situation.

"I don't think Trey is ready to play yet, as myself and after talking to some of the players. It's one of those things that, if you can keep Jimmy healthy, he plays well enough to get you (to the Super Bowl)."

San Francisco drafted Lance third overall in 2021.

The North Dakota State product didn't do much as a rookie. He mostly logged situational in-game appearances through the first month of the season before starting in Week 5 and Week 17 in place of an injured Garoppolo. Lance was 1-1 and tossed two touchdowns against two interceptions as a starter.

Meanwhile, Garoppolo posted a 9-6 record under center in 2021 while passing for 20 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. The 30-year-old helped the 49ers reach the NFC title game, though he finished the postseason with only two touchdowns to three picks.

Despite having a 31-14 regular-season record with the 49ers, Garoppolo hasn't taken his game to the next level since joining in a trade from the New England Patriots. The former second-round pick has also struggled to stay healthy, missing 25 games since 2018.

Garoppolo and Co. guided the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV, but they ultimately fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs.