The future of 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has once again become a talking point, though this time it’s due to his stretch of quality play as opposed to an injury or the presence of rookie passer Trey Lance. Over his last four games, three of which have resulted in wins, Garoppolo has posted QB ratings of 100.6, 100.6, 141.7, and 126.3, throwing for six TDs against just one interception.
He has helped the Niners crawl back into the NFC playoff race, and he has missed just one full game this year due to injury. With Lance struggling in his one start this year, many have wondered whether San Francisco might consider keeping Garoppolo for 2022, the final year of his current contract.
Earlier this week, head coach Kyle Shanahan sort of left the door open for a Garoppolo return next season, though he was adamant that Lance is still the team’s long-term play at QB. And as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported this morning, the 49ers — barring a Super Bowl run — will seek to trade Garoppolo this offseason, thereby clearing the path for Lance (video link). That is, of course, in line with what we have heard since Lance was drafted.
So Garoppolo’s recent run is not only keeping the team in the postseason picture, it is also increasing the return that San Francisco will realize in an offseason trade. The 30-year-old passer does have a no-trade clause, and his performance makes it more likely that a team he wants to play for will be involved in the bidding for him, which makes it a win-win proposition for him and the 49ers. Matt Barrows of The Athletic, who also believes the 49ers’ preferred course of action is to trade Garoppolo, says that such a deal will likely include some sort of extension or reworked contract with the acquiring club.
If Garoppolo should start to struggle or get hurt again, the Niners could still release him and save $25.6MM against the cap, but they would obviously prefer to swing a trade and net draft pick compensation. Garoppolo will battle former Shanahan pupil and would-be 49er Kirk Cousins in this afternoon’s key matchup with the surging Vikings.
I remember when teams were quiet about roster moves to increase player value? Who will give much of anything for a player that is about to hit free agency? He’s not bad player so Im sure regardless he will get interest in a very weak QB league.
Because they’ll have exclusive rights to rework the players contract or sign an extension, as opposed to competing with other teams to do so.
I’m curious as to if Pittsburgh might look into him this off-season when Ben retires. I know Rodgers loves tomlin, and Vice versa but i think Jimmy would be another option
Why would any team give up draft capital for Garoppolo and his contract?
Because he’s better than what many teams have starting?
Lol. Seriously?! Was the goal to wait until he had the least value possible? Who is is charge over there?
Did you read the article?
He’s been good this year…
Do you watch football?
His value has been much lower in the past, it’s now at the highest it’s been in years!
WTF are you talking about?
based on some of these comments, i dont think they watch or know anything about football.
Trade to who? Who wants an average QB for $25MM per year?
No GM is going to get a good veteran QB for as low as $25MM so that would be a reasonable investment provided the QB could stay healthy…which has been the issue with Jimmy G.
I take him over Goff in Heartbeat!
But Det would have to give up some draft picks as well. SF will likely want multiple picks.
You guys are better off rolling the dice in the draft.
Goff is the worst QB in the NFL… the fact he’s getting paid $30M should make every Lions fan think of ever buying another ticket again
He’s definitely an above average QB, he’s just never healthy and therefore not worth the risk, imo.
Any team with a below average qb would seem like an obvious answer brad
There’s a lot of QBs that make that or have made around that and sucked worse
Browns
25m isn’t bad for an average QB. Lions, Broncos, Steelers, Panthers, Giants, Eagles and the WFT are a few teams that may be happy to pay it.
the going rate for a QB is now 40-45 mil per year, so 25 mil is a discount for an above avg QB who is better than about 1/2 the leagues current QBs
He’d be great for a team that drafts a QB but that QB needs seasoning. Like the Giants should they look to draft Daniel Jones’s replacement.
Kind of like SF who will still need him as Lance needs yet another “redshirt year” to grasp things.
They have to trade Jimmy. This way Kyle has 2 more years to explain why he’s still a sub 500 coach, but gets his checks!
you are just no very smart
It would be ‘not very smart.’.
I would give him a shot in Denver if we can find a decent coach and OC
Would rather him than Tua in Miami
Is there a difference? Both are, at best, marginal QB’s.
Yes, Jimmy G is significantly better than Tua.
When available. If he was so good, SF wouldn’t have traded up.
Arty, I feel dumber every time i read one of your comments.
This seems premature. I don’t think Lance will be NFL-ready next season.
You can get rid of the don’t think part of your sentence. Lance WILL NOT be ready for the NFL next year.
Well, that info makes things awkward…..
Carolina bound!
What has Lance shown so far that makes anyone think he is a better alternative?
Nothing, but he’ll keep getting the shot because they have to justify using that much draft capital.
Please hurry and fire Pace and Nagy before he trades 3 more 1st round picks for another guy they don’t need.