02-24-2021, 11:18 PM
![[Image: 9360.jpg]](https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/edge/files/players/2019-06/9360.jpg)
Speaking Wednesday, 49ers GM John Lynch said "I really believe" Jimmy Garoppolo will be the team's starting quarterback in 2021.Lynch made it sound more like he needs to upgrade the Niners' backup spot behind injury-riddled Garoppolo. “When he’s healthy, he’s played at a high level,” Lynch said. “But we probably have to add someone. We probably need to improve ourselves, so if he’s not there, we’re all right; we can win games." C.J. Beathard is a free agent, and Nick Mullens is a restricted one. The Niners went 13-3 when Garoppolo was healthy for all 16 games in 2019 and advanced to the Super Bowl. But he missed 10 games last season and has been unable to stay healthy for long stretches as a pro. There was speculation the Niners could look to move on this offseason, but Garoppolo's $26.4 million cap number isn't as bad in today's quarterback landscape.
