There’s been a lot of speculation regarding what the San Francisco 49ers are doing, or not doing, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
While it’s been generally understood that the team was likely to trade him despite the fact that he led the team to the NFC Championship Game this past season, Jimmy G is still on the roster while reports that heir apparent Trey Lance isn’t living up to the hype swirl around the league.
The big stumbling block appears to be Garoppolo’s shoulder, which required surgery in the offseason. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reported earlier this month that if Garoppolo can get medically cleared on his shoulder by late June or early July, the 49ers will immediately ramp up efforts to find a trade partner for the 30-year-old quarterback.
However, there are still those who think that’s a smokescreen and that the franchise is keeping Jimmy around just in case Lance isn’t able to live up to the expectations as their new starter. Peter King of NBC Sports has been saying in recent days that he believes the team needs to keep him around.
“I’ve had a two-fold opinion about Garoppolo,” King told 95.7 The Game’s Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto last week. “Number one, if I were the 49ers, I’d really try to hang on to him because I think what he gives you is the ability to not have to rely on something uncertain at quarterback in 2022. I know there’s about one in a thousand 49ers fans who would agree with that. That’s just how I feel.”
On Monday, Albert Breer reported that the Niners have “had an open line of communication with Jimmy Garoppolo’s camp” and they still intend on trading him if and when a deal comes together.
The #49ers have "had an open line of communication with Jimmy Garoppolo’s camp" and are still planning to trade him, according to @AlbertBreer
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 23, 2022
It would seem as though the smart money is on Jimmy G wearing a different uniform by the time the 2022 NFL season gets underway. But until then, the speculation will continue.
