Free agency is not that far away, and there are multiple quarterbacks who will be looking for a new home. There is a question about where will Jimmy Garoppolo go in free agency this year. His contract is up with the San Francisco 49ers, and among many factors such as other quarterbacks potentially on the market, the door is open on where Jimmy Garoppolo will end up.
With Tom Brady’s retirement, that is a big quarterback off the market this season, leaving Garoppolo more room to do business. Here are some ideas, and impacting factors on the quarterback’s free agency this year.
Where Will Jimmy Garoppolo Go?
Here is a look at potential teams and whether or not there is a chance that Garoppolo will end up there.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With the retirement of Tom Brady, who was an expected free agent, there are questions about who will be the starting quarterback for the Buccs. As of now, there have been many reports that the team has confidence in Kyle Trask, but Trask has had very little playing time since being drafted in 2021. The Buccs may want an experienced quarterback to compete with Trask. There are a number of free agent quarterbacks, such as Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Taylor Heinicke, and more who could be cheaper options. But Garoppolo will be a name to watch with the Buccs.
Carolina Panthers
Just like the Buccs, the Panthers are another team that is looking for a starting quarterback. There have been reports that the Panthers are looking at Dereck Carr, but if they do not land him, and do not wish to make a trade, Garoppolo will be a name to watch. The team has already met with Carr, and based on that, the team is willing to spend money, which infers they want someone that can make an immediate impact. Garoppolo will want to be a starter wherever he goes, and the Panthers may be his best option. Like the Buccs, the Panthers do have Matt Coral, but the confidence in him is unknown.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is hearing that the Texans and Falcons could be potential landing spots for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Hoping Garoppolo lands a massive deal, as it’ll net the 49ers the highest-possible comp pick (3rd) in 2024.
— Akash Anavarathan (@akashanav) February 24, 2023
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have many questions about their quarterback positions. Marcus Mariota began the 2022 season as the starter, but then Desmond Riddler finished out the season. While there is a chance they may continue with Riddler, there have been discussions that the Falcons are doing their research on Garoppolo, especially with the release of Mariota. The Falcons are going to be a team to watch this off-season in the NFL free agency 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders
With the release of Derek Carr, it is unclear who their starter will be. The Raiders reportedly wanted to sign Tom Brady, but with his retirement that no longer will happen. Las Vegas could also try to trade for Aaron Rodgers, but there is no guarantee that he will be available. This leaves Garoppolo as a name to watch.
New York Jets
While the Jets’ top two targets for the quarterback position as of now are Rodgers and Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo will still be a player to watch. Garoppolo knows Jets head coach Robert Saleh well. Both were a part of the 49ers for multiple years before Saleh became the Jets’ head coach. While it is assumed that the Jets are targeting Rodgers and Carr in free agency, Jimmy Garoppolo is most likely the third player on that list.
Less Likely Options
There are other teams that can use Jimmy Garoppolo, but the odds are higher that they draft a rookie. They should still be mentioned, as Garoppolo could be used as a mentor if teams do not want the rookie to start right away. These teams could also potentially want Garoppolo to compete with the rookie as well. These teams are highly unlikely to sign the veteran quarterback but simply worth mentioning.
San Francisco 49ers
As of now, it has been clear that the San Francisco 49ers are not an option for the veteran quarterback. With Brock Purdy and Trey Lance battling out for the starting position, Garoppolo is not needed the way he was last year. Still expect the 49ers to sign a veteran quarterback, but the odds are it will not be Garoppolo. 49ers General Manager, John Lynch also recently stated that he believes that the relationship between the quarterback and the team has run its course.
Houston Texans
While nothing in the NFL is a guarantee, it can be assumed that the Texans will be using the second pick in the draft on a quarterback. With that, it can be mentioned that the team could grab Garoppolo as someone to mentor the rookie, although this seems unlikely. This would only be considered because Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was just hired, coming from the San Francisco 49ers.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts will be looking for a quarterback in this 2023 NFL draft. Last off-season, the Colts were among the list of teams supposedly interested in trading for Jimmy Garoppolo. There is a chance the Colts will trade up for the number one pick, but still a small chance. If the Colts cannot get the quarterback they want, or if they do not feel the rookie can start right away, Garoppolo could sign there.
Either way, free agency 2023 will be an interesting one when it comes to monitoring where quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be going.
For more 49ers content:
Check out this article listing the team’s pending free agents.
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