When the 2023 NFL league year resets on March 15, there's expected to be a flurry of activity at the quarterback position around the league.
The first domino has already fallen, as former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr agreed to a four-year, $150 million deal with the New Orleans Saints on Monday. Following five-plus seasons in San Francisco, Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be a coveted free agent on the market next week.
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported Tuesday "there's a push within the (Texans') building to sign quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and play him in 2023 while drafting a quarterback at some point in the first round with the plan to sit him for the year and grow."
There is familiarity with Garoppolo among Houston's staff. General manager Nick Caserio worked with him in New England, while head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik worked with him in San Francisco.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport joined the Pat McAfee Show on Monday to give his latest thoughts on Garoppolo's situation and his potential suitors. Though Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot/ankle injury in Week 13, he was nearing a return to the field as the 49ers reached the NFC Championship.
"The Raiders and Garoppolo makes some sense," Rapoport said. "If the Jets don't get Rodgers, that'd make some sense too. Panthers also make (sense). Garoppolo's in a really good spot. I think he's gonna have several offers. The money will be enough to where it's certainly more than respectable. But he's a good, solid starter."
Garoppolo has been tied to Las Vegas due to his relationship with Raiders head coach and former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Likewise, he would be familiar with Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who used to be the 49ers defensive coordinator.
"For the Jets, let's say he's the 16th best quarterback – 16th to 20th in the NFL," Rapoport said. "To me, that makes the Jets a playoff contender based on what they have around them."
There's also some smoke coming out of Miami due to Garoppolo's relationship with Mike McDaniel, who was the 49ers offensive coordinator before taking the head-coaching gig with the Dolphins this past year. But Rapoport isn't giving much credence to those rumors.
"I would be a little surprised if the Dolphins were shopping for a starting quarterback," Rapoport said. "I would expect them to add to the quarterback room. I would be surprised, based on what I know, if they're looking for anyone besides Tua to be their starter."
