49ers trade for Jimmy Garoppolo, putting C.J. Beathard's future in question

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday that they agreed to acquire quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a second-round pick in the 2018 draft, putting former Iowa QB C.J. Beathard's future in question.

San Francisco (0-8) drafted Beathard in the third round of the 2017 draft and made him the starter ahead of its Oct. 22 game against the Dallas Cowboys. Beathard entered in relief of Brian Hoyer on Oct. 15 against Washington and completed 19 of 36 passes for 245 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

Beathard started the next two games and has completed 52.7 percent of his passes (58-110) for 647 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

For context, Beathard was pressured on SIXTY PERCENT of drop backs vs the Eagles. Highest in any single game all year. October 31, 2017

For context, Beathard was pressured on SIXTY PERCENT of drop backs vs the Eagles. Highest in any single game all year. https://t.co/iFQeFjMD3R

— Oscar Aparicio (@BetterRivals)

San Francisco general manager John Lynch provided a statement on Tuesday prior to the team's scheduled press conference at Levi's Stadium.

'We are thrilled for Jimmy to join the 49ers family,' Lynch said. 'Jimmy is a player we have researched extensively since (coach Kyle Shanahan) and I joined the 49ers. I am extremely pleased this came together (Monday) and we all think it is a big win for our organization.

'Albeit in limited game action, Jimmy has displayed the characteristics and traits that we believe are vital to being a successful quarterback in this league. He has had the rare opportunity to sit and learn from a future Hall of Fame quarterback in a championship atmosphere. We look forward to Jimmy joining the team (Tuesday) and hitting the ground running.'

Hoyer has subsequently been released.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Beathard is still expected to start Sunday against Arizona.

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo not expected to start Sunday vs Arizona Cardinals, per source. CJ Beathard is expected starter, for now.October 31, 2017

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo not expected to start Sunday vs Arizona Cardinals, per source. CJ Beathard is expected starter, for now.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)

Garoppolo enjoyed a successful stint while filling in during Tom Brady's suspension related to 'Deflategate' last season. The Eastern Illinois product completed 68.3 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

He won both of his starts before sustaining a shoulder injury. Garoppolo subsequently was replaced for the last two games of Brady's suspension by the Patriots' then-third-stringer, Jacoby Brissett.

The 25-year-old quarterback, who was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft by New England, was a hot trade commodity during the summer before remaining as Brady's backup.

In 17 career NFL games (just the two starts), Garoppolo has completed 63 of 94 passes for 690 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.

Beathard led Iowa to a 20-7 record in two seasons as a starter, including a 12-0 regular season, Big Ten West Divsiion title and Rose Bowl appearance in 2015.

Beathard's numbers dipped from 2015 to 2016. As a junior, he completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,809 yards and 17 TDs with five interceptions. Last season, it was 55.6 percent, 1,929 yards and 17 TDs with 10 interceptions. Beathard's pass efficiency fell from 139.52 to 122.32.

The 49ers made a surprise move by selecting him with the 104th pick in April.

'I just saw him battle through adversity,' Shanahan said at a press conference following the draft. 'You look at the numbers and they weren't the same as the previous year. But numbers are something I very rarely look at.

'Just because there's an incompletion, just because you don't get the touchdown, it doesn't always mean it's the quarterback's fault. You got to watch to make sure people are getting open, how the rhythm of the offense is, the protections and the receivers. Are guys separating for him? And what are they asking him to do?

'I think he does his job very well. I think he gives his team a very good chance to win. I think he showed that a lot more in 2015 when his team had a lot more opportunities to win.'