Jimmy G is staying put after all.
The news broke Monday that the 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo has agreed to a one-year restructured deal to stay with San Francisco as a backup, though he could get more money as a starter. 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” gave their reactions to the news and Damon Bruce thinks it’s a win-win situation.
Not only does Jimmy come back as a trusted backup at a lower price than his original $24.2 million price tag for 2022, but he could be used a valuable trade bait later this season. Bruce noted how Garoppolo’s no-trade clause doesn’t completely kill the threat of the 49ers trying to swap him for picks down the road.
“It’s a win for Jimmy Garoppolo because he is still in a position to represent a little possible value,” Bruce said. “He could be traded within 24 hours. He could be traded within 24 hours of the trade deadline should a quarterback go down somewhere. The Niners still have that as an option if they’d like to exercise it.
"Remember, just because there’s a no-trade clause, that just means Jimmy can veto a trade to where he doesn’t want to go. It doesn’t mean he can’t be traded. It means that he would have to sign off on the deal. Honestly, if there was an opportunity that someone would be willing to trade assets for him, it’s probably a starting opportunity and I wouldn’t put it over on Jimmy to pursue a starting opportunity.”
If the 49ers can keep Lance healthy but get some sort of trade compensation for Garoppolo at some point, that'd be a solid way for the 49ers to end their relationship with Jimmy G.
The first two teams that come to mind are the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks when it comes to franchises that might be seeking an eventual upgrade at starting quarterback. The Browns are relying on Jacoby Brissett to handle the reins for 11 games before Deshaun Watson’s return, but Cleveland’s preseason finale is abysmal.
The Seahawks are rolling with Geno Smith, who beat out Drew Lock in training camp for the No. 1 gig. Otherwise, Garoppolo might have to wait for a starting QB to get hurt before a trade suitor appears.
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