The Player: Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo has been an effective quarterback when healthy for the San Francisco 49ers, compiling a 38-17 record while averaging 238.6 passing yards per game with a 99.6 passer rating. Unfortunately, "when healthy" has been a pretty big caveat: he has started only 55 of a possible 90 games since joining the team in 2017. At his best, Garoppolo has been an excellent game manager on Super Bowl contenders, but he simply isn't reliable enough to be trusted as a franchise passer.
The Fit:
Any team that doesn't have a franchise quarterback in place or the draft ammunition to acquire one should consider Garoppolo as a bridge option. His time with the 49ers proves he can help a strong roster contend. Teams like the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders, and New York Jets could all envision themselves making the playoffs in 2023 with him leading their offenses. He also has a relationship with Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels from their time together with the New England Patriots.
The Cost:
There isn't a lot of precedent for a deal that would make sense for Garoppolo. Jameis Winston signed a two-year, $28 million deal to start for the New Orleans Saints last year, but Garoppolo would likely be more in demand. He could land a deal a little bit closer to true starter money, something in the neighborhood of $20+ million per year on a short-term deal.
Photo Credit: © Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
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