Another day and another rumor involving San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
ESPN’s Russini Diana had a segment on the network’s morning show stand up and gave some information about the New England Patriots still being interested in meeting with Jimmy G. (h / t CBS Boston)
“Recently, I was talking to someone in the league that I really trust,” said Russini. “He has good information. He said: ‘Don’t take Jimmy Garoppolo’s exchange off the table.’ This is something that New England is still sniffing about. “
Russini added: “Bill [Belichick] don’t like to put their cards on the table, so most [people] think, ‘Well, if we all know that, it probably won’t happen.’ But there is definitely a tone in the league that may still fall. “
The Patriots selected Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and he spent the next 3.5 seasons there as a reserve for Tom Brady. When Brady was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 campaign, Garoppolo was named as a starter until Brady’s return. He won the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals. He shot for 234 yards and three touchdowns before getting injured in the second quarter of New England’s week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick praised Garoppolo a lot before last season’s game against the Niners.
“Everyone here had a lot of confidence in him. It is one of those situations where you simply cannot keep all players on the basis of how the system is configured. It’s understandable.”
New England rehired Cam Newton, who fought last season, so it makes sense that he wants an upgrade in the position of defender.
From the 49ers’ perspective, getting rid of Garoppolo at this point makes little sense because San Francisco was made to win now. The Niners had the opportunity to get a genuine replacement. Still, they allegedly did not make a firm offer to Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford, who ended up being traded by the Los Angeles Rams.
In addition to some NFL insiders reporting that San Francisco is interested in Deshaun Watson, we have heard nothing about General Manager John Lynch and Coach Kyle Shanahan being interested in leaving Garoppolo at any cost. (Shanahan and Lynch are scheduled to meet the media on Monday at 1 pm PT).
The Niners were praised as a quarterback during Phase 1 of the free NFL agency, but they could certainly choose a caller in next month’s NFL 2021 Draft.
Even if they do a QB, it makes sense for Garoppolo to be under center in Week 1. The 49ers have a champion core, with George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Trent Williams and Deebo Samuel being the leading dogs on a stacked list.
Of the 110 quarterbacks who started out in a total of 55 Super Bowls, none were a true rookie. Therefore, the Niners would be betting a lot against history if they handed the reins over to, say, Trey Lance or Mac Jones next season.
Here is a list of novice QBs since 2004 (who started most of their team’s regular season games) who made it to the playoffs in Year 1 and how they fared in the postseason:
Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens (2018) 0-1
Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys (2017) 0-1
Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks (2012) 1-1
Robert Griffin III – WFT (2012) 0-1
Andrew Luck – Indianapolis Colts (2012) 0-1
Andy Dalton – Cincinnati Bengals (2011) 0-1
Mark Sanchez – New York Jets (2009) 2-1
Joe Flacco – Ravens (2008) 2-1
Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons (2008) 0-1
Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers (2004) 1-1
* Connor Cook (Las Vegas Raiders), AJ McCarron (Bengals) and TJ Yates (Houston Texans) started in the playoffs because of injury. Only Yates won a postseason game.
Concerns about injuries to Garoppolo are valid, as he has lost 23 games in the past three seasons and was injured during his second game with the Patriots. With no more renowned veterans available at the free agency, having a talented newcomer as a backup plan with that list makes a lot of sense, considering what we saw from Nick Mullens last season.
Garoppolo has shown that he can lead a team to a 13-3 record and an appearance in the Super Bowl when it is healthy. He shot for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2019, and his 60.9 QBR came in 12th place among all NFL quarterbacks.
The 2021 campaign will be a decisive year for Garoppolo. If he doesn’t stay on the pitch, San Francisco is highly likely to cut him after the season with just $ 1.4 million in dead money in 2022 (for Over the Cap).
But unless the 49ers negotiate for Watson, who is handling a number of lawsuits stemming from numerous allegations of sexual assault, it is increasingly likely that Garoppolo will be the holder in 2021.
Suppose Jimmy G would restructure his deal with New England and Bill rolling with his guy for the next 2-3 years.
Darnold allows SF to save a lot of money, look younger in the position and give Shanahan a guy that many say has “untapped potential”. https://t.co/unFeeMYjDz
– uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) March 26, 2021