Marc Sessler listed the biggest remaining offseason priorities for each NFC team, and those for the San Francisco 49ers won't shock anyone. Two storylines have dominated the Niners' offseason. The first is finding a way to get rid of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The second is signing wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a contract extension.
Garoppolo has remained on the roster for longer than most anticipated. The 49ers tried to trade the veteran quarterback, but offseason shoulder surgery halted discussions with other teams. Garoppolo is expected to start throwing again by late June or early July. The big question is, will there be any demand by then?
"It's clear Kyle Shanahan has zero interest in how the media views his quarterback room," wrote Sessler. "The Niners coach appears content to keep Jimmy Garoppolo on the roster into the season if a trade partner fails to materialize. I suspect Shanny isn't nearly as smitten with second-year passer Trey Lance as some would hope. The Niners are dead last in cap space, though, while star wideout and backfield wonder Deebo Samuel has expressed his discontent this offseason."
In April, news broke that Samuel had requested a trade. This came after the disgruntled wide receiver unfollowed the team on Instagram and scrubbed his social media account of all things 49ers-related. However, Samuel has since re-followed the team, hinting that salvaging the relationship is possible.
Sessler added, "Cutting or trading Garoppolo opens up a whopping $25.5 million on the books and allows you to potentially extend your best player (Deebo) while crossing your fingers Lance eventually takes that mantle. What's the holdup?"
The holdup is that the 49ers aren't willing to surrender their starting quarterback of the past four-and-a-half seasons for nothing in return. Organized team activities and mandatory minicamps remain for NFL teams, so a quarterback need could arise as Garoppolo continues to heal.
Also, releasing Garoppolo would take away San Francisco's control of where the quarterback ends up. He would be free to sign anywhere. What if the quarterback-needy Seattle Seahawks were to express interest? Garoppolo would be an instant upgrade—even a temporary one—over anyone on their roster right now.