5 trades John Lynch, 49ers should pursue at 2021 trade deadline

No. 1: 49ers trade quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to Broncos

Go bold, right?

Perhaps Kyle Shanahan’s continuing insistence there’s no quarterback competition between Trey Lance and the veteran, Jimmy Garoppolo, is merely a ploy to build up whatever stock value is remaining for the latter. Especially in light of Jimmy G’s injury history and notable struggles this season.

But as bad as things may seem for San Francisco’s own quarterback situation, the Denver Broncos have it much, much worse right now.

Denver’s offseason pickup of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater effectively kicked third-year pro Drew Lock to the ranks of the forgotten, yet Bridgewater is enduring his own issues, having tossed five interceptions over the last three games and riding a four-game Broncos losing streak.

Related Story: 49ers could trade Jimmy Garoppolo to this AFC team

Despite boasting a talented pass-catching corps with tight end Noah Fant and receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, having a young offensive line and one of the better defenses in the league, Denver is nevertheless 3-4. And to put it bluntly, head coach Vic Fangio is coaching for his job right now.

Garoppolo might not exactly “come to the rescue.” But even marginally better play and a happier situation in Denver could have its merits. The Broncos could cut bait with Bridgewater and potentially not have to worry about finding a replacement in an otherwise shaky 2022 NFL Draft quarterback class.

As far as taking on Garoppolo’s contract, it’s tricky to a point. Yet the Broncos are arguably in the best position out of any potential suitor with the third-most NFL cap space at nearly $14 million, currently.

Even if the 49ers don’t get anything close to what they were originally hoping for in return, at least that return would be something and would get Jimmy G’s contract off the books.

The 2021 NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.