San Francisco 49ers could move on from Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason

The 49ers are ready to make a move at quarterback. The team is ready to actively look for an upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason.

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers front office have stood by Jimmy Garoppolo for long enough. The organization isn’t 100% committed to making a change at quarterback this offseason, but they are willing to investigate potential upgrades this offseason.

That subtle shift in the 49ers thinking likely spell the end of Garoppolo’s tenure as the team’s starting signal-caller.

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Niners appear to be more and more open to the idea of moving on from Garoppolo if the right alternative comes along.

“Garoppolo’s injuries certainly complicate the picture. Kyle Shannahan believes Garoppolo will be the quarterback in 2021, but he says he can’t say it with certainty. Most league insiders believe if there’s a better option, the 49ers will have somebody other than Garoppolo at the start of next season,” Mortensen reported on ESPN NFL Countdown.

Will 49ers trade or release Jimmy Garoppolo before 2021 season?

Garoppolo’s contract situation will also make this a delicate matter for San Francisco to consider. The former Patriots’ quarterback is still owed just under $50 million over the next two seasons. The good news for the 49ers is that they can part with Garoppolo without absorbing significant hits in terms of dead cap. The charge for the 2021 season would be just $2.8 million and the amount would decrease to just $1.4 million in 2022.

The bigger question Shanahan and his front office need to answer is how they can secure an upgrade over Garoppolo. One option would be to spend a first round pick on a talented quarterback in this year’s draft class. The 49ers currently project to have the No. 15 overall pick. That won’t be good enough to nab an elite prospect like Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields, but it could be good enough to get another signal-caller with a high grade such as Trey Lance.

A trade for a young veteran could also be an option. It’s easy to envision a scenario where San Francisco’s coaching staff believes it’s the right group to save Sam Darnold’s career. The team could also look to pry Teddy Bridgewater away from Carolina depending on what the Panthers do in the draft.

The last option for the 49ers might be to look to free agency to sign a quality veteran. Philip Rivers could be an interesting fit in Shanahan’s offense. San Francisco has a talented roster ready to compete for a Super Bowl title immediately. That might make adding an established veteran the most attractive option.

No matter what, Garoppolo looks like he’ll be playing his football elsewhere in 2021. He’ll get a chance to start somewhere else, but he’s used up all of San Francisco’s patience.