The list of quarterbacks available this offseason continues to grow. With the free agency window nearly here, teams and players will be gearing up to look out for what or who serves their best interests. At present, San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo may pique teams’ interest as he hits the quarterback market. But is the nine-year veteran’s move set in stone?
The 49ers have indicated that the current QB market was worth taking a look at given Brock Purdy and Trey Lance’s injuries. Lance had a season-ending broken ankle, while Purdy encountered a postseason UCL injury. Keeping this in mind, won’t it make all the more sense to keep Garoppolo around? Here’s what San Francisco’s GM had to say.
The 49ers didn’t beat around the bush regarding Jimmy Garoppolo’s future
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Although Jimmy Garoppolo has contributed to a few big wins with the Niners, they didn’t live up to the hype around Brock Purdy. No one expected the last draft pick’s key role in the team’s resurgence. Filling in for an injured Garoppolo, Purdy shined brighter than expected. For obvious reasons, there’s no doubt that fans gravitate toward the young star after seeing visible progress on the field.
John Lynch on Jimmy Garoppolo’s time ending with the 49ers and reaching out to Tom Brady. pic.twitter.com/O6khaMOcJL
— John Chapman (@JL_Chapman) February 28, 2023
49ers GM John Lynch conveyed the franchise’s thought process regarding Garopoolo’s future. Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Lynch did not beat around the bush. He emphasized that Garoppolo was a key part of the franchise in the last few years.
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But sentiments don’t have much of a place when it comes to making decisions that aid the team’s standing. Lynch said, “We admire his [Jimmy Garoppolo] toughness. We admire the teammate that he was. I know everyone wants to talk about some discourse and all that, but I do believe that it’s probably run its course. But I think we leave with nothing but fond memories for Jimmy, and Jimmy is going to go play good football for someone” The decisive tone he took indicates that Jimmy G’s future is not scripted with the Niners. But where could he be headed?
Garoppolo will be joined by other veterans this offseason
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Garoppolo is aiming high concerning his future contract. Although the QB may not be the best among his other available peers, teams will undoubtedly be interested in having him on board. Other veterans, who may be higher up on the order, include 4x MVP Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr.
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According to Fowler, the Texans and Falcons may be potential suitors for Jimmy G, among other franchises like the Jets and Panthers. Regardless, if there’s one thing that can be checked off the list, it’s the fact that despite their need, the 49ers have moved on from Garoppolo.