Most experts are bullish on Jimmy Garoppolo’s trade value. Count NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport among them. The veteran reporter told KNBR last week that he thinks Garoppolo could fetch a second round pick “or better”, citing what the Eagles received in return for the struggling Carson Wentz last offseason.
“Or better” would seem to imply a first rounder is in play, which would be an upgrade in value from the second rounder they sent to the Patriots for Jimmy G in 2017. Rapoport explained on Monday which variables could set the 49ers up for a nice return on investment this offseason.
“The only thing that will affect Jimmy G is if we get to a point where we know Aaron Rodgers and / or Russell Wilson is not being traded,” Rapoport explained on KNBR. “If that is the case, then I would say Jimmy G becomes more valuable, because I think he is getting traded.”
If Rodgers and Wilson stay with their teams (neither are free agents) Garoppolo could become the best QB on the market. Per usual, the quarterback free agent list is incredibly thin, with the likes of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Tyrod Taylor and Jameis Winston as some of the biggest available names.
“Is (Garoppolo) perfect? No. But a lot of times he’s better than what you have if you’re a team that’s trading for a quarterback, so I think they’re in a good spot.
“The 49ers had a good business year I would say. They got in the playoffs, got deep in the playoffs, and Jimmy G played well enough where his stock is exactly what they had hoped, where they could get a good pick back.
“So if you’re the 49ers, let’s just say it’s a second-round pick. So what did you do? You traded a two for Jimmy, he got you deep into the Super Bowl, he got you deep in the playoffs, you paid him some money, but then you get to ship him off for another two several years later. That’s an amazing investment.”
For the full conversation with Rapoport, check out the Murph & Mac Show here or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
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