49ers: Jimmy Garoppolo’s no-trade clause is basically meaningless

The San Francisco 49ers quarterback’s no-trade clause is not as beneficial as one would think.

This 2021 NFL offseason has already proven that it will go down as one of the wildest in league history, mostly due to the amount of quarterbacks that have already been moved. Matthew Stafford, Jared Goff and even Carson Wentz have found new homes on the trading block.

Another signal caller linked to trade not named Deshaun Watson is San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. While recent reports have indicated that the 49ers are still sold on Garoppolo as their starter under center, they could make a move if an upgrade is available. But how does Garoppolo’s contract affect things?

Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports noted that Garoppolo has a no-trade clause in his current deal. If Garoppolo were to be traded, he would likely waive the clause because if not, he would not get anything near the $25.5 million in salary and bonuses he will make next season.

Garoppolo’s no-trade clause is basically meaningless

The overwhelming belief is that the 49ers will ride with Garoppolo as their starter for at least the next season. But that can all change if the team finds an upgrade. Whether that is gathering the ideal trade package to acquire Watson from the Houston Texans, or if one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft falls to them in the first-round, they have options.

There have been plenty of ups and downs for Garoppolo during his tenure with the 49ers. He has played good at times, and helped lead the team to Super Bowl 54. However, there are moments where his play was a detriment to the team. Oh, and there are the countless injuries through his first four years in San Francisco.

After signing a five-year, $137.5 million contract in 2018, Garoppolo tore his ACL three games into the subsequent season. Then this past season, the quarterback suffered two ankle injuries that limited him to six games.

Overall, Garoppolo threw for 7,352 yards, 46 touchdowns and 26 interceptions on a 67.5 completion percentage in his four years with the team.

So there you have it. Garoppolo’s no-trade clause is not exactly beneficial to him. But from the sounds of it, he will be the starter for San Francisco in 2021.