The San Francisco 49ers have repeatedly stated that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo remains in the team's plans for 2021. That would mean a rookie sitting behind him for at least the upcoming season, which makes sense. The 49ers are built to win now and have shown they can do so with Garoppolo at the helm. However, his durability has become a concern after missing 23 games over the past three seasons.
Maybe that won't remain the plan.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that there is a "very strong" expectation around the league that San Francisco will make an effort to trade Garoppolo before or even during the draft.
"Timing isn't great with 5 QBs about to go in 1st round, but Jimmy G's future there now seen as bleak," wrote La Canfora via Twitter.
Very strong expectation among other GM's and throughout the industry that the 49ers will make major effort to move Jimmy Garoppolo before or during the draft. Timing isn't great with 5 QBs about to go in 1st round, but Jimmy G's future there now seen as bleak
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 27, 2021
Many believed that the 49ers are open to listening to potential offers but remain resolute in their plan to hold onto the quarterback who owns a 24-9 record as a starter for the team. There were multiple reports this offseason that San Francisco seeks a first-round pick even to begin considering moving on from Garoppolo. That was further proof that the plan was to keep Garoppolo since no team is likely to surrender that for the quarterback.
Although, Peter King of NBC Sports believes the 49ers' price could drop very soon.
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"It won't surprise me if the Niners make Jimmy Garoppolo more available than he's been," King wrote this week. "In other words, instead of trying to get a first-round pick for him, maybe considering taking a two for him. I wonder if the Patriots would deal the 46th pick in the draft, or their second-rounder in 2022, for their old friend."
The 49ers surrendering valuable future picks to move up nine spots to No. 3 overall could leave the team seeking to recoup some draft capital.
The 2021 NFL Draft kicks off in two days from Cleveland, Ohio.