Reports from last week that the 49ers had given Jimmy Garoppolo’s agency permission to pursue a trade have now “gone on,” according to a fresh report.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan met with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Tuesday morning, and the message was that the 49ers would cut ties with the 30-year-old soon.
Lynch was adamant that the 49ers would not release Garoppolo despite their inability to find a trade partner. The 49ers stand to save $25.55 million if they trade or release him in 2022, when his contract is expected to cost them $26.95 million in cap space.
The Browns are the only team, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, that possesses the necessary cap space without the need to rearrange personnel. If Deshaun Watson is suspended for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct rules, and how long that potential suspension lasts, Cleveland may be in severe need of a strong quarterback this season.
Browns also gave up Mayfield, leaving their quarterback room depleted if Watson is unable to play for an extended period of time.
On September 15, 21, Garoppolo passed for 3,810 yards with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. A starter for the 49ers since 2011, Garoppolo has compiled a 31-14 record in games he has started. Last season, Lance, a third-round pick in the ’21 draft, appeared in six games and started two. After throwing for 603 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions, he also ran the ball in for 168 yards and a touchdown, totaling 603.