4 teams that would sign Jimmy Garoppolo minutes after a release

Jimmy Garoppolo suitor No. 2: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are one of only a handful of teams with a clear-cut remaining need under center unless they’re foolishly thinking former New York Jets flameout quarterback Sam Darnold can suddenly turn a page after his disastrous 2021 campaign with the Panthers.

However, multiple reports stated Carolina balked at possibly trading for Jimmy Garoppolo because of his hefty $25.5 million post-trade salary it’d need to absorb, minus a renegotiated deal, and one can fairly wonder if Garoppolo’s shoulder surgery played a role here, too.

Baker Mayfield’s presence on the trade block also served as an obstacle, but one thing is likely.

If either Mayfield or Garoppolo became available as a free agent, should either be released by his respective team, the Panthers would be wise to act.

Read More: Jimmy Garoppolo and his uncertain future with 49ers

Sure, Carolina drafted former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in Round 3. But Corral certainly doesn’t project to be a day-one starter this season, and it might take him at least a year or two before fully acclimating to life at the NFL level.

And with head coach Matt Rhule already on the hot seat and feeling the pressure of getting the Panthers back into the playoffs, finding upgrades under center should be a top priority.

Few would argue against Garoppolo being an upgrade over Darnold.