49ers 2022 NFL Draft: Latest news, rumors and reports ahead of Day 1
By Peter Panacy
49ers NFL Draft rumor: Will Jimmy Garoppolo get traded?
The Niners don’t want to trade Deebo Samuel outright. They do, however, want to move quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Amid an offseason where Garoppolo was left unattended on what turned into a wild quarterbacking carousel, San Francisco has repeatedly stated it isn’t going to “give him away” for nothing, meaning either the team is holding out for a better and more-desperate trade opportunity down the line.
Or just weighing options at the next possible chance of trading him.
Read More: Jimmy Garoppolo open to being traded with Jimmy Garoppolo
Right now, arguably three teams could be in search for a starting quarterback: the Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers. It’s unlikely the 49ers move Garoppolo within the NFC West, so we can cross the Seahawks off the list, and the Texans are probably comfortable enough seeing whether or not second-year quarterback Davis Mills can progress further in 2022.
That effectively leaves the Panthers, who own the No. 6 overall pick and may use it on an otherwise weak NFL Draft class at quarterback or potentially explore trading for disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s also on the trade block.
Scott Fitterer says there are a couple of QBs he would feel comfortable with at No. 6. He also said there are a handful of teams that are serious about trading up to 6.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 26, 2022
As for which quarterback Carolina is eyeing the most? That’s anyone’s guess, too.
Given how early the Panthers are selecting in Round 1, chances are the next phase of Garoppolo’s future will be a lot clearer not long after Carolina makes whatever move it chooses.