It is a massive deal that has the potential to alter the NFC West landscape and could end speculation surrounding the long-term future of Jimmy Garoppolo. San Francisco almost certainly made the move to acquire a quarterback and is very much in the mix to acquire one of the top draft prospects at the position.
Trevor Lawrence of Clemson is expected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Zach Wilson of BYU could be in play for the New York Jets at No. 2. Of course, head coach Robert Saleh could choose to stick with quarterback Sam Darnold in 2021. General manager John Lynch is in attendance today at Wilson's pro day.
The other two top quarterback prospects are Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trey Lance of North Dakota State. Schefter notes that San Francisco did not trade up with a specific quarterback in mind, and know that there are good options at No. 3.
Garoppolo is scheduled to earn $25 million in 2021, and moving on from the quarterback would carry a dead cap hit of $2.8 million. Of course, Schefter reports that Garoppolo remains in San Francisco's plans this year.
"Jimmy is here to stay. He's our guy this year," a 49ers source told the ESPN insider.
If that changes, the New England Patriots almost certainly would be interested.