Will the San Francisco 49ers find a trade partner for Jimmy Garoppolo in the coming weeks? NFL reporter Adam Schefter of ESPN seems to think there are at least a few teams who could be on the lookout for quarterback help once training camp arrives.
Schefter spoke about Garoppolo's status during an appearance on ESPN Wednesday. Not surprisingly, Schefter said he felt Garoppolo would have been moved earlier in the offseason if he hadn't gotten shoulder surgery. But, with Garoppolo's health in doubt, teams weren't willing to give up what it would have taken to acquire him in trade.
"When the 49ers went back and looked at the film from last season, I don't think they realized how well Jimmy Garoppolo played until they watched the film," Schefter said. "And I think he would have been traded by now if he didn't have the shoulder surgery in March. There were teams legitimately interested."
Things could change if Garoppolo proves to be healthy once camp begins, and if spots open up around the league. It's possible teams decide to move forward with what they have regardless of what happens, but perhaps one of them could decide to give the 49ers a call.
"Everything got put on hold," Schefter said. "But now, with teams coming back this summer, hey -- let's see what happens in Cleveland. Let's see if DeShaun Watson is out for the year, how long he's gone. Would Cleveland want another quarterback? Is Carolina going to make a move? Is Houston comfortable with Davis Mills? There are some quarterback spots to watch, and I think these are the two quarterbacks here -- Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield -- to watch and track as camps get underway."
Watch Schefter's comments below (via TheSFNiners on YouTube).
Garoppolo is expected to start throwing over the next few weeks. The 49ers are scheduled to begin training camp on July 26.