Jimmy Garoppolo owned a 31-14 regular-season record as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback. Head coach Kyle Shanahan fared much worse without Garoppolo at the helm of his offense. The veteran quarterback was a polarizing player among the fanbase. Still, his ability to win football games and playoff experience, including two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl, will undoubtedly be enticing to some NFL franchise.
All indications point to the 49ers transitioning to last year's No. 3 overall pick, quarterback Trey Lance, next season. Garoppolo admits that he has spoken with team management about his future, likely involving a trade away from Santa Clara.
"As far as the whole trade situation, John's (general manager John Lynch) been very clear with it," Garoppolo said on Tuesday. "I think they're trying to do the best for me, I'm trying to do the best for them. We're working together on that -- really haven't made too much progress on it, but I think things will start happening here pretty quickly."
Where will Garoppolo end up? Sasha D. Robinson looked at five possible landing spots for the 30-year-old quarterback. Bovada also released the odds for Garoppolo's next NFL home. They are listed below (h/t to Odds Shark).
Betting favorites to have Garoppolo as their Week 1 starter in 2022
- Pittsburgh Steelers +325
- Washington Commanders +450
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +600
- Denver Broncos +650
- San Francisco 49ers +650
- Miami Dolphins +750
- Carolina Panthers +750
- Green Bay Packers +1200
- Houston Texans +1200
- Las Vegas Raiders +1400
- Cleveland Browns +1400
- Indianapolis Colts +1600
Longtime Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady recently announced their retirements. The Commanders could use a fresh new face at quarterback as part of their rebrand. The Broncos could be a solid game manager away from competing in a tough AFC West.
What we know for now is that Garoppolo didn't sound confident that a return to the 49ers might be in his future. During his Tuesday press conference—likely his last with the Niners—he took an opportunity to say goodbye to the media and fans.
"It's been a fun ride guys, and I really appreciate you for that," Garoppolo said. "And yeah, I'll miss you guys. So thank you guys again. Faithful, thank you very much for everything. It's been crazy, man, just all the comebacks at Levi's, comebacks on the road, ups and downs, it's been a hell of a ride, guys. I love you guys. So, see ya."
