With a couple weeks before training camp begins, and Jimmy Garoppolo still on the 49ers roster, the questions persist. Where will Garoppolo end up by the start of the season?
On Monday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Seattle Seahawks have reviewed film on Garoppolo and discussed how he would fit into their scheme, but that they might recognize the 49ers’ limited leverage and see if they can sign him after the 49ers cut him.
NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco joined Tolbert & Copes on Monday to break down the situation. He reaffirmed that he doesn’t believe it’s likely Garoppolo gets traded anywhere unless there’s a lengthy suspension for Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
“I find it interesting that [NFL Network’s Tom] Pelissero, reported I think it was today… the way he stated it was that Jimmy Garoppolo will be traded, that the feeling among NFL GMs is that Garoppolo will be traded,” Maiocco said. “I do find that difficult to believe, that a team would trade for him. I mean, the one scenario where I could would be if the NFL brings the hammer down on Deshaun Watson.”
The chatter about Garoppolo making a move to Seattle would make more sense if the 49ers fail to find a trade partner.
Maiocco said he expects most teams have had some sort of discussions about Garoppolo, at least as a matter of due diligence, but it’s tough to think those teams would trade for him at this stage.
“Seattle to me would probably be more of an option if the 49ers release Garoppolo,” Maiocco said. “And then they could say, ‘Hey, what about us? Here’s what we’re willing to pay.’”
Garoppolo is due $24.2 million in salary this year, but it is not guaranteed unlike in prior seasons.
You can listen to every KNBR interview on our podcast page at knbr.com/podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Catch Tolbert & Copes weekdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. on KNBR 104.5 / 680 and streaming live on KNBR.com.
