Jimmy Garoppolo rumors: NFL insider predicts what’s next for 49ers, Jimmy G

Is this the end of Jimmy Garoppolo’s tenure with the San Francisco 49ers? Well, yes, probably.

Update (2:30 p.m.): Well Nope!

Original 1:30 p.m.: 

Garoppolo didn’t practice with the team nor did he play in any preseason games this year.

Nor does the quarterback picture in SF seem to leave any sensible spot for Jimmy G. With teams required to cut down to the 53-man roster in less than 24 hours from now  (1 p.m. PT on Tuesday), and Trey Lance set to rise to the position of starting QB, we may be in the waning hours of Garoppolo’s time as a 49er.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport spoke with Pat McAfee about just that earlier today to weigh in on what he expects to see.

Ian Rapoport talks with Pat McAfee about Jimmy Garoppolo’s future

Rapoport:

"I think we’ll get some resolution by tomorrow at 4 … They don’t have to. The money becomes fully guaranteed next Saturday. I think we’ll get some resolution whether it’s release or something else."

He’s owed $24 million if he’s on the roster Sept. 10. He’ll earn his Week 1 paycheck if he’s on the roster on Sept. 7.

Coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t rule out that scenario, but … there’s not much reason to believe him.

McAfee pressed Rapoport about where the quarterback could end up, but he didn’t bite, noting only that.

"I expect something to happen. … Something will happen."

Garoppolo and the team would likely need to find a way to restructure the contract that made sense to extend his time in San Francisco.

Otherwise, there’s always hope of a trade partner. But barring that, Jimmy G’s future will be in his hands if he’s released.

Where he could end up is a great question. McAfee and Rapoport didn’t believe it made sense for him to sign anywhere as a backup. Rapoport thought it made sense just for him to stay in shape for now and wait for a better situation to arise even if it was a little deeper in the season.

McAfee set this scenario up:

"He’s just chilling, he staying in the side yard like he’s Andy Dalton. He’s throwing balls just waiting, waiting, waiting until somebody gets hurt. Here comes Jimmy G like he did for the 9ers four years ago."

Rapoport: “That is a scenario for him if he gets released, definitely.”

Garoppolo, as 49ers fans need little reminding, went 5-0 after being traded by the Patriots in 2017. As a reward he was given a five-year contract worth $137.5 million. This would be the final year of that contract.

After his season was cut short in 2018, Garoppolo led the 49ers to Super Bowl 54 after throwing for 3,978 yards with 27 TDs and 13 interceptions.

The only real decision is whether Nate Sudfield or Brock Purdy will win the backup role to starting QB Trey Lance.