The following seven San Francisco 49ers ranked within NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2022.
- Tackle Trent Williams at No. 14
- Wide receiver Deebo Samuel at No. 19
- Tight end George Kittle at No. 22
- Defensive end Nick Bosa at No. 25
- Linebacker Fred Warner at No. 47
- Safety Jimmie Ward at No. 96
- Fullback Kyle Juszczyk at No. 100
NFL.com revealed that one other Niner was named among the honorable mentions. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo came in at No. 106 on the list, just missing the top 100.
Of course, Garoppolo isn't likely to be with the 49ers for much longer. The veteran quarterback has not practiced with the team all offseason, with San Francisco hoping for a trade partner to materialize before his $24.2 million base salary becomes fully guaranteed. So far, no trade partners have emerged.
Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery on March 8, hurting his trade value. With most quarterback spots finalized around the league, San Francisco is likely banking that an injury or desperate move occurs soon. Right now, there reportedly are no trade partners.
"Obviously, [Garoppolo] is not their future quarterback," NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently said. "They have made it abundantly clear it is going to be Trey Lance. Are the 49ers going to be able to trade him and his $20-plus million salary? My understanding is a trade partner, as of right now, absent some quarterback injury, does not exist.
"So the 49ers options, they've made this very clear, including recently from the comments of general manager John Lynch [Thursday] night, the options are either cut him or somehow, some way, keep him on the roster. We will see which way they end up going, but an answer must come pretty soon."
From @NFLNetwork: Players to watch as we get closer to Tuesday, taking a look at #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, #Chiefs RB Ronald Jones, and #Steelers QB Mason Rudolph (who has drawn trade interest). pic.twitter.com/hsyKqC8LRt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2022
A release would free up Garoppolo's hefty salary. However, it would also allow the quarterback to sign anywhere, including with the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, who could use a quarterback upgrade. Obviously, that's a scenario the 49ers would love to avoid.
Garoppolo is 33-14 as a starter over his career and 31-14 during his four-and-a-half seasons with San Francisco. He has helped guide the team to two NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl over the last three seasons. The quarterback completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,810 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions through 15 games in 2021.
