The NFL trade deadline is on Nov. 4. Will the 49ers make a significant move?
That’s the question Mike Sando of The Athletic asked on Monday morning, citing a league source that thought San Francisco might look to move Jimmy Garoppolo if things continue to go south after their bye week.
The idea makes sense. Garoppolo is only around to keep the 49ers in contention. If they lose to the Bears and Colts, the season then should become about playing Trey Lance as much as possible. That would seem to eliminate the need for Garoppolo, who is almost certainly leaving after this season anyway.
So, who would want him? Sando has one idea.
Cleveland comes to mind if Baker Mayfield breaks down and misses an extended period. Mayfield ducked into the medical tent Sunday after landing on his injured non-throwing shoulder. If Mayfield breaks down physically over the next couple weeks, would the Browns consider making a play for Garoppolo? Would Garoppolo, who has a no-trade clause for this year, want to join a team with a better shot at winning this season?
“If you are the Niners and you lose a few games and you are moving on anyway, wouldn’t you try to save (money)?” an exec asked. “It would be curious if someone had their quarterback get injured. Or, say, Carolina if (Sam) Darnold continues to plummet.”
Mayfield returned to the field quickly after aggravating his shoulder.
“What if Cleveland traded Odell (Beckham) straight up for Garoppolo?” an exec asked. “Would San Francisco do that? I actually don’t know how many teams would want Odell. It’s a big win for Cleveland if they can get his money off the books.”
Ah, another OBJ-to-the-49ers rumor. Seems like we’ve had one of those just about every season since Kyle Shanahan took over.
The 49ers would probably prefer a draft pick, considering their future draft capital has been depleted significantly due in part to the Trey Lance deal. Would the Browns really be willing to give much for Garoppolo? If the Mayfield injury is legit, it’s possible, considering the Browns have Super Bowl aspirations.
But if OBJ is all they’re willing to part with, moving Garoppolo for that could be worth it if the Niners season appears lost.
