Now that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is recovering from shoulder surgery in March, the commercial rumors are starting to return, with one that sounds too ridiculous to be believable. Okay. Rumor that Tampa Bay is interested in bringing Garoppolo to Florida was released.
Merely thinking about this even as contemplated by the Buccaneers is absurd. Have we forgotten who QB is in Tampa? It was the same person who wanted Jimmy G to move out of New England. Sometimes it’s really a wonder how a rumor like that started. Given the history between Tom Brady and Garoppolo, there’s no reason anyone should believe this for even a second.
But according to Garoppolo’s agent, Don Yee, reports of his client’s arrival in Tampa Bay are false. That came directly from the inside of Jimmy G. I didn’t need to hear Yee say that. It has never seemed to be a reliable option for the Bucs. Even if the Bucs management were interested in Jimmy G, Brady would quickly put an end to it.
A Buccaneers coach praised Garoppolo for downplaying the team’s interest.
“If [Garoppolo] can throw the ball deep, he’s already won two Super Bowls. “Anonymous Coach told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
And why is it okay for Garoppolo to back up Brady for the second time in his career? Not that he has too many options in a trading scenario, but this does sound like something his agent will cause a fight with the 49ers. Plus, from the sound of it, Tampa had little or no interest in Jimmy G even as a sub.
However, there is another NFC group that may be interested in Mr. Garoppolo’s services. The Seattle Seahawks need a start QB, though so far they’ve gone through the offseason telling people they’re happy with Drew Lock. The US Open don’t even believe it. Again, it doesn’t sound believable as Pete Carroll prepares to head into the 2022 season with a Lockdown below center. Throw Geno Smith into the mix too.
Garoppolo will be an upgrade over both of the people currently occupying the QB room in Seattle. The biggest obstacle is that San Francisco is ready Jimmy deals G inside the part. Unless they are absolutely positive Trey Lance is ready, this trade is at best a long-term move. The last thing you want to do is give a QB to your biggest opponent in the league and watch him do his best. That’s a tough call if you’re head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch.
That said, it still makes more sense for Garoppolo to head to the Buccaneers. This transaction is a no-brainer for Seattle, or at least it should be. Even though they only have “discussion”, they should do their best if the Niners are willing to participate. The only thing I won’t do is give up the first round draft option to Jimmy G. Everything from the second round onwards will be played. If you are the Seahawks, you have nothing to lose.
It looks like San Francisco intends to move Garoppolo ahead of the season but at the right price. I think this could be another Baker Mayfield situation as 49 players take what they can for Garoppolo by the time training camps start at the end of the month. They will likely end up with a fourth-round pick for Garoppolo. Possibly a third round depending on the team and timing of the trade.
