5 likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo if SF 49ers move on

Jimmy Garoppolo Destination No. 4: Jacksonville Jaguars

A number of teams likely to select high in the 2021 NFL Draft, perhaps targeting top signal-calling prospects like Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State’s Justin Fields, makes the thought of a Jimmy Garoppolo free-agent deal with a bottom-tier team a little less likely.

But one of those franchises in a bit of flux halfway through 2020 is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who with one win on the season, could easily be in play for Lawrence or Fields’ services.

This would, of course, spell the long-term end of tenure for their incumbent quarterback, Gardner Minshew, who is completing a  respectable 65.9 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns against five interceptions for a 94.4 passer rating at the season’s halfway point.

So, why Garoppolo then? Especially if Jacksonville is looking at the draft for a long-term replacement under center?

Well, there’s no guarantee of the latter being the case. The Jags could easily miss out on Lawrence or Fields anyway, and Minshew might wind up being a mere placeholder on a bad team needing some continuity under center. Many of the Jaguars’ 2020 roster moves have suggested a transition to a new-look squad, too.

Two factors now. First, Jacksonville could easily afford a would-be Garoppolo asking price, as it currently boasts a projected $80-plus million in cap space for next season. Second, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden operates an offense not unlike what Jimmy G played in with the SF 49ers, making the schematic transition much easier.

If the Jaguars want a fresh, veteran face to kick off their offensive rebuild, Garoppolo could be it.