The quarterback news keeps on coming.
On the same day that Aaron Rodgers’ massive extension and Russell Wilson’s trade to the Denver Broncos was reported, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted Tuesday that Jimmy Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery without any setbacks.
It’s rare to hear about a botched surgery for NFL-caliber athletes in America these days, but that’s good news for Garoppolo and the 49ers. Recently at the NFL Combine, general manager John Lynch addressed how Garoppolo’s trade value could be impacted by shoulder surgery.
“Any time you have surgery, it’s not a minor deal,” Lynch said. “Any time it’s a throwing a shoulder, I understand the significance. But it is described as a minor surgery. Jimmy’s going to be fine. As for the trade – Jimmy’s a part of us right now. A lot of people need or want quarterbacks right now and he’s obviously a guy they’d look at. Yes, we have listened [to offers], but he’s a part of us and he’s going to work diligently to get back from this surgery.”
That doesn’t sound like GM concerned about moving a player. Jimmy G reportedly is set to return to throwing activities around late June or early July, just in time for training camp.
All signs look to the start of the Trey Lance era in 2022. The No. 3 overall pick spoke glowingly of Garoppolo during the season wrap-up press conferences, citing the veteran’s professionalism and eagerness to teach. The 21-year-old Lance played in 10 meaningful quarters as he groomed himself following a limited FCS football career with North Dakota State.
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The Niners are likely on the hunt for picks and the NFL Draft is still seven weeks away. But the 2022 NFL league year begins at 1 p.m. PT on March 16 (next Wednesday), so the 49ers have incentive to work a Garoppolo trade agreement by then and clear up $25.5 million of cap space. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers find a suitor within the next week before the free-agency frenzy, as there’s really no reason for teams to wait. He seems like the next logical piece of the NFL QB puzzle to find a fit after the Rodgers and Wilson news.
With the seemingly inevitable trade of Garoppolo, the training wheels are set to come off for Lance.
