It once seemed like a foregone conclusion that the San Francisco 49ers would trade Jimmy Garoppolo before March 16—the start of the new league year. Now, everyone is left wondering what the veteran quarterback's value might eventually be. In an ideal world, San Francisco would have had to decide between competing offers while considering a desire to send Garoppolo into a good situation.
Now, they may be hoping anyone makes an offer.
The 49ers say they are financially prepared to keep Garoppolo in 2022. Obviously, that isn't ideal. The over $25 million owed to the quarterback creates an awkward situation. That's a lot of money for someone who might be Trey Lance's backup—unless he starts. And San Francisco doesn't want to cut him outright.
There seemed to be several potential suitors entering the offseason. Unfortunately, that well has run dry. Most teams seeking a starting quarterback have filled that need. Garoppolo is also coming off shoulder surgery and probably won't be cleared to throw until early July, plummeting his value.
One NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that he is relieved his team didn't make a move for a rehabbing Garoppolo.
"I've got no issue with what we did because it's better than drafting one of these guys, and it's better than waiting on Garoppolo, because if you are waiting on Garoppolo, it's not like you are waiting on Drew Brees and his labrum," the unnamed executive said. "You are waiting on Garoppolo, who is happy throwing it less than 20 times in big games."
That doesn't sound like confidence in Garoppolo's ability to carry an offense, another indication that the 49ers possibly overvalued the quarterback.
Another executive told Sando that he believes the 49ers should just wait things out, even if the waiting drags into the season. An injury might cause a team to get desperate enough to strike a deal.
"I'd just hold onto him. Wait," the excutive told Sando. "Someone will get desperate. I'd even keep him through the season. Why get rid of a guy just to get rid of him to play the other guy (Lance) if you know Jimmy has value? And Jimmy has value."
The injury, hefty salary, and questions surrounding Garoppolo's impact on an offense are all playing a part in the lukewarm interest. However, simply releasing the quarterback isn't a scenario that sits well with head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"I mean, we're not just getting rid of him to get rid of him," Shanahan said on March 29. "Jimmy's a good player that we all really like as a person and as a teammate. And we're going to wait to see whatever helps the Niners the most."
While most feel that a tradable asset like Garoppolo shouldn't throw the football in practice with the 49ers again, Shanahan said he expects something different if the quarterback is around come training camp.
"When we start up, if he's with our team, I expect him to be with us," Shanahan said.
Comments