SF 49ers: Pros, cons behind a Jimmy Garoppolo trade
Pros of an SF 49ers Jimmy Garoppolo trade
Financial relief
Jimmy Garoppolo is owed $25.5 million in salary and bonuses for the 2021 season, a considerable sum for a non-elite quarterback. That’s the seriousness of the position, teams need to overpay at the position.
The Niners have a secret weapon, however, in Paraag Marathe.
Marathe is a wizard when it comes to contract negotiations, and the team could cut Garoppolo and save $23.6 million of that money. Trading Garoppolo is still the preference, though, as the whole contract can be off the books and the team could net picks in return.
The SF 49ers have several moves to make in cap relief, and they would save a lot of money if they manage to offload Garoppolo.
Frees up a new era with a rookie quarterback
There are some intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, and it’s very possible San Francisco may find using a cheap veteran bridge quarterback in 2021 while developing a quarterback of the future.
Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields and Zach Wilson will be long gone by the time the SF 49ers select at No. 12 overall. As tempting as it would be to imagine one of them under center for San Francisco, it just won’t happen.
What the team could consider is the No. 4 quarterback in Trey Lance from North Dakota State. Lance has a lot of potential as a strong passer who has a lot of poise as well as the leg speed to escape trouble and scramble if need be.
Lance isn’t perfect and needs more experience and development, especially as essentially a one-season wonder which is why he isn’t consider one of the top three. The idea of Lance with head coach Kyle Shanahan however is tempting to say the least.
Potential upgrade (in the case of Deshaun Watson)
Yes, Deshaun Watson. Everyone just bear with me for a second here.
Watson and Garoppolo have something in common: a no-trade clause inserted in their contracts which essentially allows them to pick their destination of choice if they’re traded, given they have to waive said clause to move teams.
There isn’t much indication of where Garoppolo wants to be traded if he is, but we do have some indication Watson does consider the 49ers a definite destination.
If Garoppolo consents to a trade to Houston, the SF 49ers could have a powerful bargain chip to give Houston at least a competent quarterback in return for Watson. The Niners would still have to give up several first-round picks, but the pressure may be off to trade the likes of EDGE Nick Bosa or tight end George Kittle.
The team also saves money, as Watson is on slightly less money for 2021.
A lot of factors need to fall in place, but this is the most optimal plan for San Francisco to get out from the contract of Garoppolo.
Save a few million and get a major upgrade at the same time.