Panthers GM: No recent conversations with 49ers, others about trading for a QB

The Carolina Panthers haven't had any recent discussions with other NFL teams about training for a quarterback.

"I haven't had any conversations recently with teams about that," Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer told reporters on Friday. "I think we'll explore every option, whether it's the draft or trades. It's just the team has to call you, and no one's called us recently about that."

That obviously includes the San Francisco 49ers, who seek to trade their starter of the past four-and-a-half seasons, Jimmy Garoppolo, but haven't been able to do so. One reason may be due to San Francisco overestimating the return they could acquire for the veteran quarterback. Garoppolo recently undergoing shoulder surgery hasn't helped the situation. He won't be fully cleared to throw until closer to training camp.

The Panthers, one of the few quarterback-desperate teams remaining, could look toward the draft for a future starter. Carolina currently owns the No. 6 overall pick. The incoming rookie quarterback class being weaker than previous years could bode well for the 49ers' hopes to deal Garoppolo. However, a team isn't likely to surrender significant draft capital for a quarterback who can't throw until training camp.

Fitterer adds that Cam Newton returning to the Panthers and competing with Sam Darnold remains possible.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports recently reported that the Houston Texans, another team viewed as a potential Garoppolo landing spot, is uninterested in the 49ers quarterback. The Texans may be prepared to push forward with Davis Mills after trading Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns.

The Seattle Seahawks are also in need of a quarterback. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield may be a possibility there. The 49ers are unlikely to trade Garoppolo to a division rival.