FS1's Colin Cowherd is a fan of Jimmy Garoppolo, but he doesn't feel an NFL team can build around the veteran quarterback at this point in his career. However, he calls Garoppolo the "world's best bridge quarterback" in the league. That makes him perfect for a team looking to develop a young quarterback while trying to win games now.
Garoppolo started 15 regular-season games in 2021. That allowed last year's No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance, to sit and learn behind the veteran. Now, Lance is slated to become the 49ers' full-time starter, and Garoppolo and his hefty salary-cap figure remain with the team. Cowherd acknowledges that can't remain the case once San Francisco reaches Week 1.
"I think Garoppolo's got an injury history and a shoulder surgery that concerns me," Cowherd shared on The Herd. "I think he's better than a fifth-round pick [though]. I think San Francisco, at this point, I just want Trey Lance for at least a year to be the quarterback and run the quarterback room without Jimmy G in it.
"I think Jimmy G is one of those guys, where his mere presence, you can't own a locker room if Jimmy G is in it in the cubical next to you. He's too popular. He's too well-liked. Some guys are too talented to be a backup ... Jimmy G, if he's in the room, half the locker room's going to like him even if he doesn't start. He's just the ultimate good dude."
Earlier this offseason, San Francisco tried to trade Garoppolo. Unfortunately for the team, the quarterback underwent shoulder surgery in March, halting discussions. Now, the list of NFL teams potentially interested in trading for a quarterback has dwindled, putting the 49ers in a difficult situation.
Releasing Garoppolo would allow the division-rival Seattle Seahawks to swoop in and grab the quarterback, instantly improving their troublesome roster situation. But, as Cowherd explained, financials aside, holding onto Garoppolo through the 2022 season could create an awkward situation for the 49ers, especially if Lance struggles out of the gate. After all, the team is loaded with talent and ready to make another playoff run.
49ers players report to training camp on July 26. We'll see if Garoppolo remains on the roster at that point.
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