How 2022 NFL quarterback market will affect Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers

Biggest X-factors facing 49ers and a Jimmy Garoppolo trade

Any team wanting to onboard Jimmy Garoppolo is likely going to have to absorb the near $25 million owed to him in the final year of his contract, per Over the Cap. That’ll be part of the trade discussions the Niners end up having, including Garoppolo’s agent, Don Yee.

So, case in point, the Packers probably wouldn’t want to absorb Garoppolo’s 2022 cap hit even if they moved Aaron Rodgers, given they’re already $50 million above the cap right now, and they’re all but assured to try things out with two-year pro quarterback Jordan Love anyway. If Rodgers is moved, of course.

Likewise, the Saints, Vikings and Falcons are also above the salary cap, too, lessening the chances they’ll be in play for Garoppolo’s services.

However, let’s revisit some of those other teams that could potentially look to upgrade their current quarterbacking situation, not necessarily the ones that need to.

The Falcons are surely thinking about a long-term replacement for Matt Ryan, although the NFL Draft seems the most plausible solution because of their cap constraints. Other teams without as big of cap restraints include the Colts, who don’t seem too enamored with Carson Wentz, and surely the Browns, who might not be overly set on Baker Mayfield for the long haul either.

The Eagles might want to upgrade over Jalen Hurts, while it’s even in the realm of possibility the Dolphins move on from Tua Tagovailoa.

Simply put, there’s a lot at play here.

Whether it be via the draft on one of those few options, or potentially a blockbuster deal for someone like Rodgers or Russell Wilson, a team simply acting boldly when it didn’t necessarily have to would drastically alter the market for Garoppolo.