The 49ers could see Jimmy Garoppolo in a much more prominent role this upcoming season, provided the Rams engineer a blockbuster.
While there may be a few holdouts, it's probably safe to say most San Francisco 49ers fans are happy to have seen quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo depart the organization.
Garoppolo's career tumbled after unceremoniously leaving the Niners in 2023, playing only one lackluster season with the Las Vegas Raiders after inking a three-year free-agent contract there. After that premature departure, Garoppolo's employer became the Los Angeles Rams, backing up veteran signal-caller Matthew Stafford.
Sure, Jimmy G was back in the NFC West, but he didn't have the chance to take the field when L.A. squared off against San Francisco twice over the course of 2024. Not with Stafford in the way.
However, according to recent rumors and speculation, that might change in 2025.
Rumor points to Rams starting Jimmy Garoppolo in 2025 if they move Matthew Stafford
Stafford's future is in question as he's been the subject of possible trade talks this offseason. The New York Giants are seen as potential suitors, although with the recent boost in the NFL salary cap, the only remaining question is whether or not Los Angeles wants to keep the veteran quarterback around another year.
If not, a headline-generating blockbuster trade could take place.
Related story: Matthew Stafford's situation with Rams isn't quite what you think
Perhaps it's a piece to the negotiating puzzle, a ploy by the Rams to downplay their need for Stafford amid contract talks.
But, as The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue pointed out, there's a scenario where Stafford is moved and Garoppolo becomes the shoo-in option.
"If the Rams move on from Stafford or even begin to imagine a world without him, they don’t have a viable backup plan in place. Jimmy Garoppolo, their backup last season, will be a free agent, and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett was drafted specifically to be a long-term QB2.
McVay really likes Garoppolo — more than some league sources whom I spoke with expected him to — because of his amiability, work ethic and understanding of the offense. Garoppolo, though, would be a bridge to the next franchise quarterback, whether that player arrives via draft or trade. League sources were generally split on whether the Rams/McVay would work best with a rookie or continue McVay’s preference for a veteran’s experience in his constantly changing offensive scheme. Draft experts agree that this incoming quarterback class is somewhat thin and certainly top-heavy. As of now, the Rams don’t pick until No. 26 in this year’s draft."
Sure, this could merely be talk from McVay and general manager Les Snead to suggest they aren't as reliant on Stafford as they truly might be. Sort of a "we don't need you as much as you think we do" kind of strategy.
But, if there's any truth to the rumor, Garoppolo could easily be a bridge option to the next franchise centerpiece.
From a cost analysis, re-signing Garoppolo would certainly be the cheaper option. His 2024 deal with L.A. was just a shade over $3 million. Stafford's cap hit this year is a shade under $50 million. That matters.
There are still plenty of moving parts here and elements yet to be determined. From the 49ers' perspective, Garoppolo didn't exactly preserve bridges with the Niners after his departure, and longstanding members of San Francisco's defense would relish the chance to make Jimmy G pay with his regularly scheduled interceptions thrown over the middle of the field to an awaiting linebacker.
Should this rumor turn into fact, the 49ers would have that opportunity at least twice in 2025.