Jimmy Garoppolo set to make first 49ers start against Bears

Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, informed the team that Jimmy Garoppolo will start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

It is a move which fans of the San Francisco 49ers were waiting to see. Many are probably asking what took Coach Kyle Shanahan so long. However, the day has arrived, as Shanahan told the team’s quarterbacks that the newly acquired Jimmy Garoppolo will start this week, his first for the franchise since he was acquired.

Garoppolo, who threw a touchdown pass in limited action against the Seattle Seahawks, was acquired by the 49ers from the New England Patriots for a 2018 second-round pick. It was one of the most talked about trades in the NFL this season.

The Niners are in need of quarterback help and hope the young Garoppolo can fit their need. It sure looked like it on Sunday. After starter C.J. Beathard left the game late due to injury in the fourth quarter, Garoppolo showed off why the Niners got him. On the last play of the game, Garoppolo extended the play after being pressured, and threw a laser into the end zone. It was the lone San Francisco touchdown of the day.

The past four seasons, Garoppolo was seen as the heir-apparent to Tom Brady. However, the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer is showing no signs of stopping. New England could have placed the franchise tag on Garoppolo this offseason since contract talks were not proving fruitful. But, instead of paying over $40 million combined for their quarterbacks, New England traded the young star.

While in New England, Garoppolo went 63-of-94 for 690 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The start in Chicago has more significance than just a game. Sure, it is his first start with the 49ers, and an audition for his upcoming contract. What makes it special is the fact Chicago is Garoppolo’s hometown. Now 26, Garoppolo was raised in Arlington Height, IL, and attended Eastern Illinois University. The same as Tony Romo and Kyle Shanahan’s father, former coach Mike Shanahan.

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It is the beginning of a new era in San Francisco. But, will it be enough for the team and Garoppolo to agree on a new contract? That we will have to wait and see.