The San Francisco 49ers cutting Jimmy Garoppolo would be a risky move. That would allow the Seattle Seahawks to swoop in and sign Garoppolo, forcing Kyle Shanahan's squad to face him twice a year.
While Garoppolo's critics would like to pretend that isn't a big deal, adding Garoppolo would instantly improve Seattle's quarterback situation. Right now, they are slated to enter the 2022 season with Drew Lock and Geno Smith—in some order—at the top of the depth chart. Installing Garoppolo would provide Pete Carroll with an undisputed starter.
Garoppolo-to-Seattle is a possibility. While San Francisco is unlikely to trade Garoppolo to a division rival, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Seahawks have done their homework on the 49ers quarterback.
"A few executives I've spoken to believe the 49ers are a bit stuck here," Fowler said on SportsCenter, "because they need Garoppolo to pass a physical coming off the shoulder surgery. They need to renegotiate his contract with that new team on that $24 million salary. And the pool of suitors right now seems to be pretty small.
"Now, a few things that are positive for San Fran: I'm told Garoppolo's recovery has remained on schedule. He should start throwing now, or if he hasn't already. He'll do a ramp-up phase until he can eventually pass that physical.
"And you have Seattle that's still out there. They were sort of implicated in the Baker Mayfield situation, didn't make that move. I'm told that, internally, they have discussed the possibility of Garoppolo playing for them. They've done their film work to see how he would fit."
Garoppolo could be a good place-holder until the Seahawks can identify a quarterback of the future—perhaps in next year's draft. There is also the possibility that the 49ers quarterback flourishes in Seattle, allowing Carroll and company to take their time.
"Tricky certainly to do a trade inside the NFC West," Fowler continued, "but the 49ers and Seattle know they can maybe sort of wait this out because the 49ers have limited cap space right now. ... They want to re-sign Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel. To do that, they need some of Garoppolo's $24 million in base salary. Seattle probably knows that, which means maybe they won't make a trade. They'll just wait for [the] 49ers to release him."
From @SportsCenter with @HannahStormESPN
*Deshaun Watson timeline
*49ers' hurdles in a Jimmy Garoppolo trade
*Seattle has done its homework on the QB, at least worth watching here. pic.twitter.com/EweBXLeVEB
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 11, 2022
