49ers reportedly give QB Jimmy Garoppolo permission to seek trade

For the first time this year, there is a legitimate sign that veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers could be headed toward a summer divorce. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that sources claim the 49ers have permitted Garoppolo's agents to seek a trade. Garoppolo remained away from the club throughout spring workouts as he recovered from March shoulder surgery and as 2021 rookie Trey Lance served as San Francisco's QB1. It's expected Lance will enter training camp this coming Tuesday as the team's starter. Schefter adds that Garoppolo has been cleared to start practicing. 

It was previously reported that the 30-year-old should be fully cleared from his latest setback by mid-August. 

Garoppolo's biggest problem moving forward may be that the majority of teams around the league already have settled their quarterback situations. Jimmy G has been linked with the Seattle Seahawks and, more recently, the Cleveland Browns in some rumors. He is on track to count $26.95 million against the salary cap and earn a non-guaranteed salary of $24.2 million for 2022. 

Any clubs interested in Garoppolo could either wait to see if the 49ers ultimately cut the signal-caller, or they could extend his current deal to soften cap hits over 2022 and, presumably, 2023. 

The Browns have Deshaun Watson atop their depth chart today but could lose him for part or all of the upcoming campaign due to a possible suspension related to allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Seattle, meanwhile, is preparing to have Geno Smith compete with 2019 second-round pick Drew Lock for its starting job.