So what would it take for the 49ers to leave Jimmy Garoppolo?
San Francisco remains high compared to the veteran quarterback, but would be willing to abandon him in specific settings, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday morning during an appearance on the SportsCenter. Acquiring a player like Deshaun Watson, whom the 49ers are interested in, is something that would make it easier for Garoppolo to leave San Francisco.
Here’s what Fowler said, as transcribed by Tyler Conway of the Bleacher Report:
“They said San Fran is looking for potential upgrades, but they still like Jimmy G. He’s 24-9 as a starter, including the playoffs, with the Niners. They believe they can win with him, but it would take a big blow, like a Deshaun Watson effect here, to make that change. And I was told that 49ers are one of the teams that most intrigue Watson. A source said, ‘Which quarterback wouldn’t like to be on the attack on that team with all those guns and Kyle Shanahan?’ There is always a possibility, but the Texans have made it clear that they are not willing to negotiate with Watson now. Garoppolo is still a viable option for San Francisco. “
Now, this is not just positive thinking on the part of the 49ers. In fact, San Francisco is reportedly one of Watson’s two main destinations, should the Houston Texans eventually agree to his commercial order.
As for other quarterbacks that the 49ers could have on their radar, their guess is as good as ours. Sam Darnold, whom the New York Jets allegedly answered commercial calls to, is probably a name worth monitoring.
Garoppolo, 29, has been subject to injuries since joining the 49ers, but still remains a talented and intriguing quarterback. Of course, New England is often considered a possible destination, but the Patriots are said to have reservations about a reunion with Garoppolo.
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