Jimmy Garoppolo: Rethinking 4 teams that could trade for 49ers QB

2 of 4

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota (1) Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmy Garoppolo trade destination No. 3: Atlanta Falcons

This is something new and of note.

Just a day after Adam Schefter’s report broke, Stacking the Board’s Cam Marino reported the Atlanta Falcons were “one of five known teams” potentially in on Jimmy Garoppolo:

Interesting update: The #Falcons are one of five known teams with a call in to the #49ers regarding QB Jimmy Garoppolo, a source confirms.
— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) July 21, 2022

Unlike Cleveland, Atlanta’s roster isn’t exactly poised to win now, and it might be viewed as the fourth-best team in a still-underwhelming NFC South behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Nevertheless, the Falcons pursuing Garoppolo does make some sense.

After trading veteran Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason, Atlanta’s stopgap option was to sign former Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders signal-caller Marcus Mariota to plug the void.

Perhaps this helps bridge the gap until the Falcons’ third-round NFL Draft choice, former Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder, is ready to go. But Mariota’s injury history is lengthy, and he might not be viewed as a legitimate QB1 at this stage of his career anyway.

With just under $12 million in salary cap space, it might be tough for Atlanta to figure out a way to absorb Garoppolo’s post-trade $25.5 million due without some serious roster jockeying or a negotiated restructure, though.