On a recent episode of NFL Total Access, analyst Michael Robinson suggested that the Carolina Panthers allow Sam Darnold to walk and replace him with Jimmy Garoppolo. Both quarterbacks are slated to become unrestricted free agents on March 15.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has already stated that it is unlikely Garoppolo will return to the Bay Area team for a seventh season. He'll likely be highly sought by quarterback-needy teams.
Robinson believes Garoppolo is what one such team, the Panthers, need.
"Young roster, great coaching staff, new coaching staff," Robinson tells Steve Smith Sr. "Frank Reich, guy that understands how to work with quarterbacks. You just got to stay healthy, Jimmy G. And I just hope Frank Reich is not anywhere in that building banging the table for Carson Wentz. I just hope that's not happening, Frank. I hope you're listening."
Garoppolo was often linked to the Panthers last offseason, with many believing Carolina to be the quarterback's most-likely destination for the 2022 season. Of course, that union never happened.
Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery last offseason, plummeting his trade value. The 49ers eventually restructured Garoppolo's one-year deal, bringing him back for a final season.
Starter Trey Lance went down with a season-ending ankle injury in September. Garoppolo took over, lasting until December 4, when the veteran sustained a broken foot.
Rookie Brock Purdy took over the starting quarterback job for the remainder of the season.
Will the Panthers be willing to devote a significant chunk of their salary cap to a 31-year-old quarterback who has had trouble staying healthy? On the other hand, Garoppolo's 70.2 winning percentage as a starter might be enticing for a team that has finished above .500 just once over the last eight seasons.
Garoppolo finished this past season completing 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions through 11 games and 10 starts.
