The latest news on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was revealed earlier this week, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Jimmy Garoppolo is on schedule with his recovery from a surgically-repaired shoulder and is expected to throw soon, while NFL Network's Mike Giardi added that the quarterback hopes for a "quick resolution after proving to teams that he's fully healthy.
With the quarterback market essentially settled, and a resolution seeming imminent, be it a trade or a release, what teams are currently realistic trade candidates for Garoppolo?
In all honesty, there appears to be just one team, although several could be in the mix should Garoppolo get released and his $24.2 million base salary for 2022 becomes a non-factor.
Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is entering his third season and has failed to produce results, as the Panthers have selected in the top ten in the last two drafts.
According to Sports Illlustrated's Schuyler Callihan, Darnold began the offseason program looking similar to last year, but improved as the offseason went on.
"At the start of OTAs, Sam Darnold looked like the same quarterback we saw a year ago. He would have a few good throws here and there, but would also make some bad decisions and force the ball into too tight of windows. In the last two practices, particularly Wednesday's, he looked real sharp. In fact, that was the best I've seen Sam throw the ball since he landed in Carolina. He dropped several balls right over a receiver's shoulder downfield, including one to Terrace Marshall Jr. which went for a long touchdown. Yes, I know it's just shorts and helmets but he still looked much improved."
However, should Darnold and third-round selection Matt Corral underwhelm the coaching staff, Garoppolo is available as a veteran option to raise the ceiling of the Panthers slightly, and despite Darnold's hefty $18 million salary for 2022, the Panthers can currently fit the 49ers' signal-caller on their roster without any significant moves, as they have nearly $25 million in cap space according to Over The Cap.
The Cleveland Browns have been floated around as a potential destination, though I believe the idea to be unlikely given Baker Mayfield's current contract and Garoppolo's costly deal, although, like the Panthers, they can shoulder the cap hit, as they have over $42 million in cap space according to Over The Cap.
Should Garoppolo get released, the Seattle Seahawks may align themselves as suitors on an incentive-laden deal to remain on the West Coast, however; the 30-year-old quarterback would likely choose to go to a contender if provided a chance at the starting job.
At the moment, however, the likeliest discourse between the 49ers and Garoppolo is a release, as Garoppolo's salary may be too costly to shoulder for any capital, and the veteran quarterback's $24.2 million salary is non-guaranteed, providing San Francisco with significant cap space for now and the future, allowing them to avoid any restructures and impede their future salary cap.