Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield trade could be perfect for 49ers

The 49ers and Browns are both sitting on quarterbacks with no future on the roster, Jimmy Garoppolo and Baker Mayfield, so could a swap be the way out for both teams?

The San Francisco 49ers are gearing towards the new season, but the Jimmy Garoppolo saga is still one unwelcome reminder of last season that first needs to be dealt with until the 2022 season can move on.

A rapidly moving quarterback market and shoulder surgery to the throwing arm of the former starting quarterback stalled any attempts to move Jimmy G on via a trade, and with training camp fast remaining it’s hard to fathom Garoppolo having a role for the Niners with the team fully committed to handing over the keys to young quarterback Trey Lance.

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The teams still actively seeking a quarterback are few and far between, with the Seattle Seahawks (unlikely) and the Carolina Panthers (a little more likely) the most likely teams to strike a deal for a veteran quarterback.

Right now, the market is pretty sparse with such a hectic offseason, with Garoppolo and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield the only real names of note left.

Insiders believe the two will most likely be released, rather than traded.

So with the 49ers and Browns stuck with two quarterbacks who aren’t needed but still can play at a decent level in the NFL, why not just swap them?

It sounds crazy, but there’s something to this, and it’s not the first time such a trade has been broached. The Niners and Browns need to jettison their quarterbacks, and it’s better to find a trade partner and get something back. Both teams can also fill short-term needs with this.

But, the idea of a Garoppolo-Mayfield trade seems so crazy on the surface. What benefits do both teams get from this trade?

Let’s take a look at what shifting quarterbacks can do for both Cleveland and San Francisco.

Benefits of a Jimmy Garoppolo, Baker Mayfield trade

Browns get an emergency quarterback

The Browns have a good roster and went all out to acquire Deshaun Watson to lead their talented offense for 2022. They did so despite Watson’s legal issues not being concluded, and that backfired horrifically on them with additional allegations against him and the NFL seeking an indefinite suspension.

They don’t really have a Plan B, as Baker Mayfield will probably never play for the Browns again. Similar to Mayfield, Jimmy Garoppolo has taken a talented offense to the playoffs and even to a Super Bowl. It’s not the best solution, but Garoppolo could be the perfect “Break Glass In Case Of Emergency” play.

49ers move on and land a talented backup

As mentioned, the 49ers need to move on and give Trey Lance the keys to the franchise. Nate Sudfeld has not looked impressive in the preseason practices so far as the incumbent backup, while Brock Purdy isn’t ready to be so either.

Mayfield would be an expensive backup, as he’s owed nearly $19 million in 2022. But he’s good enough to be a high-end backup at the very worst and a starter if it came to that.

Financially it makes sense for both teams

As mentioned, Mayfield is on the books for nearly $19 million this season, while Garoppolo is being paid just over $24 million. Very expensive players to say the least.

However the Browns have the most cap space in the NFL, as of writing at $42 million, and while the Niners aren’t in that same boat, they could free up $5 million in cap room by moving the salaries.

At the end of the season, the 49ers can either move on from Mayfield or keep him on for a reduced contract, while the Browns will have a better idea of their quarterback situation. To pay $5 million extra for just one season in return for peace of mind at quarterback is a good investment for Cleveland, while San Francisco gains much-needed cap flexibility.

Update: Multiple sources report Mayfield has subsequently been traded to the Panthers, thereby negating this scenario, even though it’s fun to think about.