ESPN's Adam Schefter doesn't believe the San Francisco 49ers trading Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason should be considered "a lock," pointing to the possibility that last year's No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance, might not be as ready as some think.
Another CBS Sports writer, Pete Prisco, doesn't believe the 49ers should trade Garoppolo at all. He also has doubts about Lance's progress. The 21-year-old quarterback spent all of last season backing up Garoppolo and started just two games while playing 178 total offensive snaps.
That means that Lance, who had just one full collegiate season as a starter with NDSU and played in one game during the 15 months leading to last year's draft, has just 19 starts under his belt since high school.
"Would I trade him? Probably not," Prisco said on CBS Sports HQ. "I don't think Trey Lance is ready, but I understand where they're at. They traded up to go get Trey Lance, and they think they can plug him in there and get him going with a full offseason and the ability to learn the offense. So, I understand why. I wouldn't trade him. I'd play Jimmy Garoppolo one more year."
However, what Prisco would do himself and what he expects to happen differ. Along with most people, the writer believes San Francisco will part ways with their starting quarterback of the past four-and-a-half seasons.
"But he will be traded. And where does he go? I think there's some interesting possibilities. I think when you look at Washington, I think that's a possibility. They have to upgrade their quarterback position. I think Pittsburgh is a possibility. And if I were Tampa, I'd explore Jimmy Garoppolo because I think he's better than Blaine Gabbert.
Prisco added, "I do think he will be traded, though."
49ers don't tender LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, making him a free agent
By David Bonilla
Mar 15
The San Francisco 49ers have opted not to tender a contract to restricted free agent linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, immediately making him an unrestricted free agent and free to sign anywhere. He may also return to San Francisco on a new contract.
The 49ers did not tender RFA Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. The linebacker is now an unrestricted free agent.— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) March 15,
Jimmy Garoppolo thanks 49ers; George Kittle bids farewell to former teammates
By David Bonilla
Mar 17
There have been a lot of goodbyes over the last few days. The San Francisco 49ers said goodbye to several players. Jimmy Garoppolo, Mike McGlinchey, Emmanuel Moseley, and many others moved on to new NFL homes, signing deals with other teams in free agency.
Garoppolo is the newest quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders. On Friday, he spoke to Raiders reporters for the first time, first sharing a message to his team of the past five-and-a-half seasons (h/t Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area).
"I just want to thank the Yorks, thank the 49ers for everything that they've done," Garoppolo told reporters after wishing them a happy St.
Texans, Raiders expected to pursue 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo in free agency
By David Bonilla
Mar 13
Soon-to-be former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be in good demand when free agency kicks off on Wednesday. That demand will start today, actually. NFL teams can begin contract negotiations with impending free-agent players from other teams starting at 9 a.m. PT.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Garoppolo can expect to receive some phone calls from the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders, the two teams anticipated to pursue the veteran quarterback. Garoppolo has familiarity with both coaching staffs. He was with Raiders coach Josh McDaniels in New England and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco.
Another team that could be interested in the quarterback is the New York Jets. However, they are also reportedly interested
Raiders signing former 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo to a 3-year, $72.75 million deal
By David Bonilla
Mar 13
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini, the Las Vegas Raiders are signing former San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback and unrestricted free agent Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year deal. The move reunites Garoppolo with Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator (2006-08, 2012-21).
Former 49ers' QB Jimmy Garoppolo is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, per @diannaESPN and me. Garoppolo played for Raiders' HC Josh McDaniels in New England and they now reunite in Las Vegas.— Adam