On Friday, former NFL defensive tackle Dan Sileo reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were among the teams that had reached out to the San Francisco 49ers about Jimmy Garoppolo. Sileo said he spoke with Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, who was interested in Garoppolo to serve as the heir apparent for Tom Brady. The future Hall of Famer could be entering his final NFL season (Of course, we seem to say that every year).
Said Sileo: "What I'm hearing is this: The Buccaneers have reached out to the 49ers to try to bring Garoppolo down to be the heir apparent for Brady when he calls it a career at the end of the year. Both guys are represented by Don Yee."
At first, the report seems odd. But then it seems somewhat logical if the Buccaneers were looking for quarterback security in 2022 and beyond. Garoppolo would be an upgrade over Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask, should Brady miss time. In addition, he could serve as a good bridge quarterback should Tampa Bay opt to draft a quarterback next year, should they not be confident in Trask.
Of course, the Cleveland Browns still make the most sense. The team awaits the NFL's decision on Deshaun Watson, who is dealing with several sexual-harassment allegations. Should the league suspend Watson, the Browns could be interested in a new starter for 2022. Many feel the team would be uncomfortable entering the season with Jacoby Brissett as its starter.
As for Tampa Bay, one NFL reporter isn't buying the Garoppolo-to-Buccaneers rumors. Rick Stroud, a reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, shared his opinion on Sileo's report.
"Not a chance fellas," Stroud tweeted out.
Stroud added a quote from one Buccaneers coach, who said, "If (Garoppolo) could throw a deep ball, he would've won two Super Bowls already."
Um. Not a chance fellas. As one Bucs coach told me, "If (Garoppolo) could throw a deep ball, he would've won two Super Bowls already."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Reportedly Want to Trade for 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo - Sports Illustrated San Francisco 49er https://t.co/URlrHByIhg
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 9, 2022
While Garoppolo to the Buccaneers makes some sense (It made a lot more sense before Brady unretired), NFL teams can play the waiting game on the 49ers quarterback. If the demand isn't high for Garoppolo, San Francisco might be forced to release the quarterback to clear his hefty salary. Then, no one would have to give up anything for Garoppolo. That would also open up the possibility of the 49ers quarterback signing with the division-rival Seattle Seahawks—which wouldn't be ideal.
The 49ers have insisted that they are willing to carry Garoppolo on the roster into the 2022 season. However, that could create an awkward locker room situation with last year's No. 3 overall pick, Trey Lance, set to become the starter.