Jimmy Garoppolo: 3 creative trades 49ers could still engineer before Week 1

It seems unlikely the 49ers will be able to move Jimmy Garoppolo before Week 1, but there’s still an argument for them to get creative and try.

With each passing week, it’s looking more and more likely the San Francisco 49ers won’t be able to trade their veteran quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.

The Niners tried earlier this offseason. But Garoppolo’s hefty contract for 2022, combined with offseason shoulder surgery that made him unable to throw until training camp, certainly influenced other teams’ possible interest in dishing out compensation for him.

With San Francisco ushering in a new era under center with second-year pro Trey Lance, there is an argument the team could keep Garoppolo, likely on a highly reduced salary, to serve as a backup and continued mentor to the presumed new starter.

Only at the risk of inviting the same media circus that existed surrounding the two last year, however.

Instead, the 49ers are likely pinning their hopes on the market suddenly picking up again for Jimmy G, perhaps in the wake of another team’s quarterback either wholly flaming out or suffering a major injury during training camp, both of which are always possible.

Just not guaranteed.

Yes, it seems more likely the Niners will be forced to release Garoppolo outright between now and Week 1. However, given San Francisco hasn’t gone this route yet, there are a few ways where general manager John Lynch and Co. elect to get creative.

Let’s take a look at three trades the 49ers could still make involving Jimmy G. And while none of them are necessarily ideal from the Niners’ vantage point, each could be an offer they’d prefer over releasing the quarterback outright.