Jimmy Garoppolo: 5 trade destinations for SF 49ers quarterback
By Peter Panacy
Jimmy Garoppolo Suitor No. 3: NY Jets
More than a mere possibility than a likelihood, the NY Jets could end up finding themselves interested in a trade with the SF 49ers for Jimmy Garoppolo.
First, the obvious two reasons. Former Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is now the Jets head coach. And his offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur, was San Francisco’s pass-game coordinator from 2017 through 2020.
Easily enough said, both worked with Jimmy G pretty extensively during that timeframe, and the ability for an experienced quarterback to process what’s likely to be a complex offense under LaFleur would help matters amid a rebuilding Jets squad in 2021 and beyond.
Saleh has remained quiet on the future of New York’s current quarterback, Sam Darnold. And while there are a number of other better options out there, including being in hot pursuit of the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson, Garoppolo could end up being a contingency plan if Saleh isn’t sold on Darnold sticking around.
Gang Green has both the cap space and draft capital to make a deal happen with ease. And with Garoppolo a free agent in 2023, the Jets could still afford to target a high-profile quarterback in the NFL Draft with the No. 2 overall pick to eventually replace him, too, if Watson winds up falling through.