Remember when there was an abundance of quarterback-needy teams? An absolutely wild offseason has changed that, with many of those teams filling their needs while passing on the Jimmy Garoppolo option. The San Francisco 49ers probably overestimated the value of their often-injured and high-priced quarterback. As a result, they haven't been able to strike a deal for the veteran passer.
Garoppolo recently undergoing shoulder surgery hasn't helped matters.
The Houston Texans might be fine entering the 2022 season with Davis Mills under center, armed with a healthy supply of draft picks to build around the young quarterback, thanks to the trade of Deshaun Watson to the Browns. Of course, that deal makes Baker Mayfield available, too, further diminishing Garoppolo's trade value.
If the Texans were to add a veteran quarterback, Garoppolo might have made sense. General manager Nick Caserio is familiar with the 49ers quarterback from his time with the New England Patriots.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Houston may be out as a potential Garoppolo or Mayfield suitor, though.
"I don't think anything is imminent," La Canfora recently told CBS Sports HQ. "Houston's not interested in either of these quarterbacks. At this point, I expect Carolina to draft a quarterback."
La Canfora notes that the Seattle Seahawks might be an intriguing destination for Mayfield. However, he could also see the Seahawks going after Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. San Francisco is unlikely to ship Garoppolo to a division rival.
"I do think [Garoppolo] will eventually be dealt," La Canfora adds. "But I could also see a scenario where the 49ers are working avenues for a different backup [to Trey Lance], maybe even Baker Mayfield."
While that feels like an unlikely scenario, it would depend on the Browns eating much of Mayfield's salary as part of a potential trade.
It looks like Garoppolo will be on the 49ers roster much longer than predicted. A deal could be struck in the days leading to the draft. However, with the quarterback unable to throw until July, Niner fans could be forced to wait much longer.