Jimmy Garoppolo not training with 49ers: What’s next for the QB? Possible trades
The future of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been up in the air since he underwent surgery for his throwing shoulder earlier this year.
The San Francisco 49ers have said that they have moved on to Trey Lance as their quarterback, leaving the question, what is to become of Jimmy Garoppolo?
The 49ers have given the nod to Garoppolo to look a trading partner, but where he will go next is still unclear. Some teams have already considered other players for the position while the 30-year-old was recuperating from an operation on his throwing shoulder. He has just passed his physical, so the 49ers are no longer required to pay his $7.5 million injury guarantee.
There are expectations that Jimmy G will be traded by the end of July, and here are some scenarios that could play out.
The matter of Deshaun Watson
The Cleveland Browns have said that Jacoby Brissett would take over as starting quarterback if Deshaun Watson were to be suspended. However, if the suspension lasts for a year, the Browns would have to decide whether Brissett is a good enough starter to have for the whole season. If Cleveland wants to make a serious bid for the playoffs, they would have a better chance with the better quarterback, Garoppolo.
A slot at the Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks lost their Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson in March in a trade with the Denver Broncos, and acquiring Garoppolo could be an option. The team could decide to stick with Geno Smith and Drew Lock, but they may be able to benefit from Garoppolo’s postseason experience.
Jimmy G stays
One scenario that seems highly unlikely at the moment is that Garoppolo will stay and start for the 49ers again. However there is still a slim possibility that he would, especially if the team is unable to trade the quarterback anytime soon. In the event that Lance fails to deliver during the preseason, they might turn to Garoppolo, whose shoulder has reportedly recovered.
49ers cut Jimmy
If they are not able to trade Garoppolo, the 49ers may decide to cut him before Week 1. However, they would be hesitant to release him after holding on and shouldering his cap hit of almost $27 million in the offseason, in hopes of trading him off.