That would bode well for the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to part ways with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, a quarterback with a career record of 33-14 as a starter. Could a team like the Washington Commanders become desperate enough for an upgrade to acquire the 49ers starter from the past four-and-a-half seasons?
The Commanders may seek a new face for the offense, and Garoppolo might be an excellent fit depending on what Washington does on offense next season.
"One executive positively labeled Garoppolo a 'functional starter,'" Ben Standig recently wrote in a feature for The Athletic (h/t Josh Schrock of NBC Sports), "a level he says doesn't apply for several players who started games in 2021, like Washington's Taylor Heinicke—and perhaps all of the 2022 QB draft prospects."
That same executive doesn't see Garoppolo being worth the No. 11 pick in the upcoming draft or any first-round pick, given the quarterback's skill set and injury history. Garoppolo started the 2016 season in place of a suspended Tom Brady, suffering a sprained AC joint in Week 2. In 2018 with the 49ers, a torn ACL in Week 3 ended his season. In 2020, Garoppolo appeared in just six games due to a high-ankle sprain. He played through thumb and shoulder injuries in the 49ers' playoff run this past season.
Washington might become desperate, though.
"Yet [the executive] argued the Commanders could justify sending the [No. 11] pick to San Francisco should they concede none of the incoming passers are worthy of that selection," wrote Standig. "For a team that needs to win now, the veteran here trumps the unproven rookies."
Money is, of course, a concern for any interested team. Garoppolo is set to earn a base salary of $24.2 million in 2022 and only has one year remaining on his contract, so a restructuring would likely be one of the first tasks following a trade.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers insider identifies 4 potential pass-rush additions for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers recorded just 20 sacks last season, the fewest in the NFL. The team opened the 2026 season with a convincing 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, but the defense failed to record a sack, which could be a concern given last year's... -
Osa Odighizuwa: 49ers Interior Disruptor Who Could Be Key to the Pass Rush
Before the chaotic summer that led to some questionable decisions by prominent higher-ups, the San Francisco 49ers had a successful offseason in acquiring players. They addressed some needs by drafting wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, running back Kaelon Black, and offensive... -
49ers mailbag: Is the run defense a concern? Will SF make a trade soon? Can Jack Jones play safety?
The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a big week one win over the Los Angeles Rams, but there's no shortage of questions surrounding this team as they head into week two. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to get your best 49ers questions. So, let's jump into this week's... -
49ers named trade fit for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. by ESPN insider
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has reached a tipping point, potentially opening the door for a trade involving the San Francisco 49ers. Fowler believes a Porter trade is realistic, and the cornerback...