Where will quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo end up this offseason, after he hits free agency on March 15? It's unlikely to be back with the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan already stated that he can't envision a scenario where Garoppolo returns for a seventh season with the team.

One ESPN reporter named two potential fits for the veteran quarterback (h/t Chris Rosvoglou of The Spun).


"So talking to teams around the league, he's expected to be, really, number three on the pecking order behind [Derek] Carr and Aaron Rodgers in this quarterback carousel we're all talking about," Jeremy Fowler said on NFL Live.

"And some natural fits. The teams mentioned, you've got the Houston Texans, if they need a bridge option behind whoever they draft. And then the Atlanta Falcons, because [Falcons head coach] Arthur Smith runs a variation of that Kyle Shanahan system."

Don't expect Garoppolo to come cheap for any team looking to acquire the passer, who owns a 70.2 winning percentage as a starter.

"But Garoppolo's going to be costly. He wants a contract commensurate with his skill set and ability," Fowler adds.


Meanwhile, the 49ers don't have a single healthy quarterback under contract. However, third-year passer Trey Lance is expected to be full-go for organized team activities (OTAs) in May. He is coming off a season-ending ankle injury.


This past season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy, is expected to miss about six months after undergoing surgery to repair the torn ligament in his right elbow. That procedure was scheduled for this week but had to be postponed due to inflammation in the arm.

Having Garoppolo around for another season would alleviate some of the uncertainty within the 49ers' current quarterback room. Still, even if the team wanted the veteran back, it doesn't sound like they would be able to afford him.

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