What. A. Morning.
Earlier today, Pat McAfee reported that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was returning to the Green Bay Packers on a long-term extension, finally breaking the silence, adding that the veteran quarterback contemplated retirement and even other potential teams prior to making his final decision.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the reported deal was a four-year, $200 million deal, with $153 million guaranteed, both record-breaking marks. However, it is uncertain currently whether than deal has been confirmed or not after Rodgers himself tweeted that a deal was still in the works.
Then, less than three hours later, news broke that Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson was being traded to the Denver Broncos in exchange for two first-rounders, two second-rounders, a fifth-rounder, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant. The Broncos included a fourth-round pick in the deal as well.
However, that might not be all Tuesday, as Mike Garofolo reported that Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder surgery was successful and that he's expected to be throwing well ahead of training camp.
The only barrier ahead of a Garoppolo trade was how the surgery went, and with positive remarks, there is a very good possibility that Garoppolo gets moved soon, potentially even later Tuesday afternoon.
So, how have the Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson moves impacted a potential Jimmy Garoppolo trade?
Well, let's look at the Russell Wilson trade. The Broncos were a potential, although extremely unlikely contender for Jimmy Garoppolo, and them acquiring Wilson takes him out the hands of other potential suitors such as the Washington Commanders, who reportedly offered multiple first-round picks for Wilson, but were rebuffed by the Seahawks.
The Commanders, who have been looking for a veteran quarterback to lead their young group of skill-position players, are now in a prime position to acquire Garoppolo, the next-best option available on the market.
In addition, when comparing the blockbuster deals of Wilson and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, Wilson returned more value to the Seahawks, despite objectively performing worse than Stafford in 2021, showcasing the increased market value for quarterbacks, especially with the number of teams in dire need of a competent starter ahead of 2022.
The Wilson should increase the value of Garoppolo from a third-rounder or a fourth-rounder to a second, or even potentially a first-round pick.
While the Aaron Rodgers news might not seem as huge in regard to Jimmy Garoppolo, it takes the Packers quarterback out of the hands of other contenders, making Garoppolo a more appealing option.
A Garoppolo trade could indicate how the 49ers approach their off-season, as a higher draft pick in return could potentially allow them to go best-player available with their early picks in the draft, given the amount of depth at multiple positions of need, such as defensive end, offensive line, and safety, for the 49ers in this draft class.