NFL free agency: What two surprise teams could be interested in Jimmy Garoppolo?
The San Francisco 49ers are likely to finally move on from Jimmy Garoppolo who hits free agency in March, and the question is, which team will he join next?
It is a fair assumption that the San Francisco 49ers will finally part ways with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason as he enters the free agent market. The contract he signed before the 2022 season began provided for a no-franchise tag clause which guarantees this development.
Despite being hounded by injuries, Garoppolo remains an attractive option for teams who are planning to have an upgrade in the quarterback department, and suitors are expected to come a-calling once he becomes available.
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The Atlanta Falcons
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes that the Atlanta Falcons could be one place where Jimmy G could land.
“A bridge starter with QB1 upside, Garoppolo would get shades of the Niners’ Kyle Shanahan offense with the Falcons, thanks to Arthur Smith’s lean on the run and play-action. And Garoppolo would come at a reasonable financial clip,” according to Fowler.
The Falcons currently start with Desmond Ridder, and since they are still paying him rookie rates, they could afford to dig deeper into their pockets for a more expensive backup QB. Should Ridder become injured or play inconsistently, having an experienced player like Garoppolo could help them in their campaign to reach the playoffs. Atlanta also has the cap space necessary to take in the veteran quarterback.
The Houston Texans
The Texans are also in a position to obtain Garoppolo, as they have the cap space needed to accommodate him. Houston has one of the top picks in the coming draft, and even if they decide to use it on a quarterback, Garoppolo could serve as an effective bridge signal caller in an offense that is not completely new to him. Houston may choose to take a risk on his injury history, especially as they can afford his services.