Fansided

George Kittle pounds the table for Jimmy Garoppolo remaining as 49ers quarterback

By Patrick Schmidt

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and tight end George Kittle (85) celebrate with the trophy after the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and tight end George Kittle (85) celebrate with the trophy after the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly taking a quarterback in the NFL Draft but George Kittle wants to stay on the receiving end of passes from Jimmy Garoppolo.

After making a blockbuster trade to move up to the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers are locked in on picking their quarterback of the future.

Reports indicate the 49ers are deciding between Alabama’s Mac Jones and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance but All-Pro tight end George Kittle isn’t quick to give up on Jimmy Garoppolo.

Appearing on FanSided’s Stacking the Box podcast, Kittle thoroughly endorsed Garoppolo to remain the starter for the 49ers, continuing the public stance he’s maintained all offseason amid rumors of Garoppolo being on the outs.

George Kittle wants Jimmy Garoppolo to remain 49ers quarterback

“We went to the Super Bowl with Jimmy, we win a lot of games with Jimmy,” Kittle said. “When he’s not playing. we don’t win a lot of games. So I think his record kind of speaks for itself, no matter what stats are and whatever his percentages are, we win games when he’s in the game. And that speaks for itself. Jimmy is going to compete with [rookie draft pick] and that just is what it is. Football is a competitive sport. And you got to win your job every single day. And I’m just looking forward to that competition. Now, Jimmy, whether he’s our quarterback, I hope he is because I think he’s a hell of a quarterback. I think he’s a hell of a football player. He’s gonna be the reason we win games.”

Kittle may get his wish for the start of the year provided Garoppolo isn’t traded during or after the draft. However, if the 49ers invest that much in a young quarterback, it’s only a matter of time until Kittle has a new quarterback throwing him the ball.

It’s great that Kittle is supporting his teammate and saying all the right things, but his voice doesn’t hold much weight with general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan making the decisions.

Certainly, his feelings are valid but regardless if it’s Garoppolo, Jones, Lance or someone else, expect Kittle to perform at an All-Pro level.

George Kittle and T.J. Hockenson teamed with America’s favorite wood-fired fuel for an all-out, no holds barred, battle royal to officially introduce Kingsford 100% Hardwood Pellets.

It’s backyard wrestling meets the pellet grill: epic intros, delicious BBQ and plenty of body slams. Be sure to check out the duo’s new video on their social, and try Kingsford 100% Hardwood Pellets.