It's been a foregone conclusion that the San Francisco 49ers would either trade or release former starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season, but Niners coach Kyle Shanahan pumped the brakes on that assumption on Tuesday.

In a press conference, Shanahan was asked if Garoppolo could still end up on the Niners' 53-man roster to start the season. Shanahan responded, saying “I think any scenario is possible.”

That comes on the heels of 49ers CEO Jed York saying that the Niners would welcome Garoppolo back to the team.

Since being medically cleared to return to practice, Garoppolo has been spotted at the 49ers facility unfurling passes before and during practice, no matter how awkward that might be.

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7)during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Insider gives ‘bouncy’ Christian McCaffrey, 49ers updateLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium.
Trent Williams’ on field return will have 49ers fans hypedLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan next to a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the San Francisco 49ers.
Rising San Francisco 49ers rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsBen Strauss ·
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; =Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
49ers’ Bryce Huff trade with Eagles officially completeJaren Kawada ·
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws a pass to warm up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Insider makes Sam Darnold comparison for 49ers’ Mac JonesZachary Weinberger ·
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) makes a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Christian McCaffrey welcomes Saquon Barkley to the running back Madden familyMatty Breisch ·

Does Garoppolo look like he's back to 100 percent?

“He looks the same as he always has,” Kyle Shanahan added in the press conference. “He always throws it really good. So, he looks the exact same.”

Although the 49ers have kept the door open for Jimmy G to return to the franchise, it's still highly unlikely that happens. The Niners are still holding out hope that a team will want to acquire the signal-caller. If the 49ers don't leave open the option of Garoppolo returning then they'll lose any scraps of leverage they have left and will be forced to either keep Garoppolo or release him into the open market. Of course, every NFL team knows this and will call San Francisco's bluff.

Garoppolo is slated for a $26.95 million cap hit this season if the 49ers do keep him on the roster, which would make Brett Favre happy.