Jimmy Garoppolo trade: 4 front-running teams now in the mix for 49ers QB

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmy Garoppolo trade suitor No. 3: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are one of four teams linked to being interested in Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, along with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.

And according to Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, Watson’s decision on his own trade future could be imminent (potentially even after this particular article goes live):

Teams involved in Deshaun Watson trade talks believe an answer is coming perhaps as early as today/tonight.
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 16, 2022

If Carolina loses out, though, it’ll be in a tough spot to find a contingency plan. Last year’s starters, Sam Darnold and Cam Newton, clearly aren’t the answers, and head coach Matt Rhule will be on the hot seat entering 2022 anyway.

While Jimmy Garoppolo shouldn’t be viewed as a long-term option for the Panthers, a weak NFC South with three of the four teams reportedly on the hunt for quarterback changes means Garoppolo could easily be a contingency plan.

One which certainly wouldn’t cost anywhere near as much, in terms of a trade package, as trading for Watson would.