The Jimmy Garoppolo era is coming to an end in San Francisco. Just a few weeks back, the 29-year-old’s name was brought up in a four-team deal involving Aaron Rodgers and Deshaun Watson. Even if that trade doesn’t materialize, it’s clear that Garoppolo’s Bay Area days are numbered.
Assuming the Niners move on, who will be the franchise’s next starting quarterback?
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there are two very viable options for San Francisco.
Those two options? Watson of the Houston Texans and Sam Darnold of the New York Jets.
“Deshaun Watson, he still badly wants out of Houston,” La Canfora said.
“The Texans are telling teams, ‘We’re not trading him.’ That could change by the draft. I can tell you, the 49ers, the Panthers (are) among the teams very interested in Deshaun Watson, as are the Jets.”
Darnold similarly intrigues 49ers brass.
“Sources tell me 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (is) very high on Sam Darnold,” La Canfora revealed.
“If that’s a match, follow me here, the 49ers would be trading Jimmy Garoppolo, and sources tell me Bill Belichick would love to have a Jimmy G reunion in New England.”
None of this should come as a surprise. Watson was linked to the 49ers several weeks back, along with three potential ‘sleeper’ teams.
Darnold, meanwhile, has been on thin ice with the Jets for a while now. Depending on who listen to, the organization is either planning to keep him and draft him some additional help, or dump him in favor of someone like Justin Fields.
Of course, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has his own theory on what the Jets will do with Darnold next year.
Regardless of what happens, it seems pretty clear that the Niners are moving on from Garoppolo. And if either Watson or Darnold are truly available, either one would be a legitimate upgrade at the quarterback position.
Who will San Francisco’s starter be next year? It’s tough to say. Who won’t it be? Based on everything we’ve seen thus far: Jimmy Garoppolo.
More must-reads: