"The Panthers and Seahawks have remained in the mix in the veteran quarterback market throughout the offseason," wrote Howe, "and the Texans will likely explore their options with Garoppolo and Mayfield, according to a source. Of course, this all continues to hinge on the rest of the draft."
The Panthers did not draft a quarterback in the first round and don't currently own a day two pick. The Texans shipped Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns and have Davis Mills currently slated as their top quarterback. The Panthers have Sam Darnold. Garoppolo is probably an upgrade over both.
Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network reports that the 49ers seek a second-round pick for their veteran quarterback. While that would eliminate the Panthers in this draft (a 2023 pick remains an option), the Texans own a second-round pick. It's a high one, though, at No. 37 overall. They also own two third-rounders (Nos. 68 and 80).
Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery on March 8 and isn't expected to start throwing again until the end of June, at the earliest. That has lowered his offseason trade value. Although, the veteran quarterback well being dry and an underwhelming rookie quarterback class may prompt a team—like the Texans or Panthers—to take a risk or hope the 49ers' asking price drops to a day three pick.
"[The Panthers] could try out Mayfield or Garoppolo for a season before potentially shifting focus on Bryce Young or another 2023 draft prospect," wrote Howe. "Mayfield and Garoppolo may not turn the Panthers into contenders but they'd be an upgrade, and they'd also give head coach Matt Rhule a better opportunity to prove himself after a couple of rocky seasons."
Or maybe everyone waits to see if the 49ers eventually cut Garoppolo before the start of the season.
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