According to a report by ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are clearing Jimmy Garoppolo to practice—over four months after the quarterback underwent shoulder surgery. The team has also granted his agents, Don Yee and Carter Chow, permission to seek a trade.
There has been speculation that the Cleveland Browns might be interested in the 30-year-old Garoppolo. Earlier today, Pro Football Focus reporter Doug Kyed reported that the Browns "did their homework" on Garoppolo earlier in the offseason and could revisit those discussions depending on what happens with Deshaun Watson.
Watson remains embroiled in legal issues, and the NFL could soon hand down a suspension. The Browns might be confident in Jacoby Brissett leading the offense until Watson returns. Pro Football Talk recently reported that Cleveland is privately bracing for an eight-game suspension of Watson.
According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are not expected to pursue Garoppolo (h/t Pro Football Talk).
"The Browns are still not expected to pursue a trade for Jimmy Garoppolo even with the uncertainty over Deshaun Watson's suspension," Cabot wrote. "The Browns never seriously considered trading for Garoppolo this offseason, even before Watson hit the trade market in March when a grand jury declined to indict him on criminal charges."
While the Browns reportedly did their homework on Garoppolo, Cabot gives the impression that the team—for now—is uninterested in the 49ers quarterback. Maybe they are unwilling to trade for Garoppolo, but their interest may increase should San Francisco release the veteran passer.
Garoppolo is set to count $26.95 million against the 49ers' 2022 salary cap, and trade options have significantly dwindled this offseason, leaving San Francisco in a tough situation. For now, Garoppolo remains on the roster as the team prepares to report for training camp next week.
"It's considered likely that any new NFL employer will want to adjust Garoppolo's contract," Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network recently wrote. "They could even ask the 49ers to pay a portion of his salary to facilitate a potential trade. And some league executives said Wednesday that they expect many teams to wait and see if the 49ers decide to ultimately cut Garoppolo if an adequate deal can't be worked out."
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance is expected to be the 49ers' Week 1 starter against the Chicago Bears.