It appears increasingly more likely that Jimmy Garoppolo could start the 2022 season with the 49ers after all. On Monday morning, following Matt Ryan’s trade from the Atlanta Falcons to the Indianapolis Colts, two more potential suitors for Jimmy Garoppolo made free agent signings.
According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, Jameis Winston has agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Shortly after, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that Marcus Mariota and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a two-year contract.
That’s three potential suitors for Jimmy G wiped out in the span of a few hours.
Earlier in the day, Mike Florio reported that 49ers general manager John Lynch turned down two second-rounders for Garoppolo, which looks like it could be a huge mistake, if true.
The Seattle Seahawks acquired Drew Lock in the Russell Wilson trade, but could be in the market for an upgrade. The Carolina Panthers are on the hook for $18 million for Sam Darnold next season but reportedly are interested in going another direction. The Houston Texans have Davis Mills following the trade of Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns, but could want someone more established. Those are three potential destinations but also three places with potential stop-gaps in place.
The free-agent quarterback class is pretty thin now – with the most recognizable names including Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and 39-year-old Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield remain as the two top remaining quarterback options available on the trading block. Mayfield comes with baggage after his recent trade demand, but he’s 26 and isn’t recovering from shoulder surgery. Not to mention Mayfield is owed $18.6 million in 2022 while the Niners owe Garoppolo $26.9 million, according to Spotrac.
In 14 games last season, Mayfield completed 60.5 percent of his passes, threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 picks. He has a 30-31 record in four seasons and led the Browns to a win in the Divisional Round following the 2021 campaign with a three-touchdown performance.
In 15 contests last season, Garoppolo completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 3,810 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has a 35-16 record in five seasons with the Niners, leading them to two NFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance.
Mayfield is now dealing with the reputation he’s not an “adult”, while Garoppolo, 30, has shown can lead a huddle and command respect in the locker room as a respected veteran. Neither guy is elite, but could be an upgrade for the three aforementioned teams.
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If Garoppolo remains with the 49ers this fall, it could lead to a potentially awkward situation. Just when we thought we were out of the Jimmy G-Trey Lance woods, it appears we're back in the middle of the forest.
Is Garoppolo willing to be a $27 million backup to a second-year guy with 10 quarters of experience under his belt? He’s a true professional and won’t cause any uproar, but admitted the situation of playing alongside Lance last year weighed on him from training camp. Can he hold it together for another season if they’re sharing the same quarterback room?
What if Lance struggles in preseason? What if Lance struggles as a starter? How long of leash does he have before Kyle Shanahan goes back to Garoppolo?
If Garoppolo is still on the books in Week 1, it will majorly hamstring the franchise’s efforts to re-sign Nick Bosa and/or Deebo Samuel to a big extension.
The NFL Draft isn’t until April 28 – so there’s plenty of time for a trade before then – but as of March 21, Garoppolo staying on the 49ers seems like a real possibility.
