Quarterback Brock Purdy has yet to make a decision regarding treatment and recovery from his UCL tear.
As the rookie detailed in his most recent press address, Purdy is still gathering feedback on his elbow injury and weighing his options for a speedy and optimal recovery process. Based on the current medical opinions that have been offered, Lynch was “encouraged” that the most common timelines point to a recovery process of approximately six months based on a repair option. A six-month recovery would mean Purdy could be ready to play at some point during training camp.
Lynch and Shanahan believe they have not one, but two quarterback-caliber starting players on their current roster.
Purdy and Trey Lance are the only two quarterbacks coming off the 2022 roster who won’t enter free agency this offseason. Lance and Purdy still have rookie contracts, and if their recovery processes go smoothly, both 49ers could be game-ready by the start of the 2023 season. profile at the quarterback position, Shanahan reiterated: “We’re happy enough” with the inside talent.
In his exit interview, Lance noted that he expects to receive medical clearance in the next four weeks, and Shanahan expanded on that, adding the possibility that the dual-threat quarterback could be “filled in” by OTAs.
“I know we have two starters on our team right now that I think we can win with,” Shanahan said. “When you have that situation, you’re not so eager to go looking.”
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is not expected to return for the upcoming 2023 season.
After re-signing Garoppolo to a one-year deal for the 2022 season, 49ers higher-ups don’t anticipate the veteran quarterback returning to the team for another shot in 2023. Garoppolo has spent the past six seasons with the 49ers and helped lead San Francisco to a Super Bowl LIV appearance and started most of the team’s NFC Championship runs in 2021 and 2022.
“No, I don’t see any scenario of that,” Shanahan said when asked about the possibility of Garoppolo spending 2023 with the 49ers.
There is interest in retaining cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.
Moseley got off to a strong start in 2022 before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Moseley will become a free agent at the start of the new league year, but the 49ers have an interest in keeping him in the red and gold. Before his injury, Moseley had 22 total tackles, one interception and five pass breakups in his five starts this year.
“E-Man is doing very well. He’s in the field as we speak, working here and rehabbing, he’s doing very well… His commitment to the process is going to be elite, and that’s what he’s done. He was depressed in L.A. rehabbing for a long time. We’ve had him back for the last two weeks. He’s a free agent. He’s a guy we’d be interested in bringing back because of the way he plays, but also because of what he represents. He’s one us and we sure would like to have him back.
Lynch and Shanahan shared best wishes for their former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, and the 49ers don’t want to make too many changes as they prepare to hire his replacement.
Praise for the coach and the person that is DeMeco Ryans was not lacking on Wednesday morning. Shanahan had Ryans on his staff for his entire head coaching career and is delighted to see his former colleague get this great opportunity. Ryans started out as an assistant defensive quality control, then spent three seasons as linebackers coach and capped off his time in San Francisco as defensive coordinator for two seasons.
“I love DeMeco. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever been with, one of the best people I’ve ever been with,” Shanahan said. “He and Jamila mean a lot to us, and I really wish they didn’t go, but it’s more than deserved and more than earned. They (Houston Texans) made the best signing available because DeMeco is going to be a great one. He already has been. I love our defensive staff, I love our defense. I’m trying to get something where we don’t have to give up a lot.”
Keeping defensive lineman Nick Bosa in Santa Clara for the long term is on both Lynch and Shanahan’s minds.
Bosa closed out the 2022 season as the NFL’s sack leader (18.5) and just one sack shy of the franchise single-sack record held by Aldon Smith (19.5). In addition, he recorded 51 total tackles, 19 of which were tackles for loss, and 48 quarterback hits. He is a highly regarded player, and the intellectual confidence of the 49ers will reveal his plans for Bosa in due course.
“He deserves to be Defensive Player of the Year in our league,” Lynch said. “I hope it comes his way, because he’s earned it. He’s a fantastic football player, he’s a game-changing football player… I think we have a very good track record… of making our players (contracts) are fulfilled, but it takes time. It takes patience. It takes persistence, and we’ll have him on our side… He’s pretty cool with the whole thing, and I think with that in mind and each of us wanting the same We can come to an agreement.”
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