NFL insider reveals how close Niners were to trading Jimmy Garoppolo

The availability of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason was the worst-kept secret in the NFL. The 49ers were poised to move on from Jimmy G after five years as the starting quarterback under center, putting their faith in sophomore QB Trey Lance.

Ultimately, the Niners didn’t trade Garoppolo and slotted him at QB2 to start the season. Garoppolo started his career in that role in New England behind Tom Brady.

Apparently, though, Garoppolo was extremely close to being traded, and the Niners should consider themselves lucky that it fell through.

Jimmy Garoppolo was nearly traded to the Washington Commanders before electing to get a shoulder surgery

According to a new report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Garoppolo was nearly a Commander. The Niners and Commanders were involved in discussions on the veteran QB. The talks fell through when Garoppolo elected to get surgery on his throwing shoulder.

According to Schefter:

"“The deal would have involved multiple draft picks, sources said, but was disrupted by the surgery to Garoppolo’s throwing shoulder, which prompted the Commanders to move on from their talks with the Niners and trade two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Carson Wentz.”"

Going into Week 3, both teams are 1-1. Wentz is second in the NFL in passing yards (650) and tied for first in passing TDs (7). He dazzled in Week 1 positioning his receivers with impressive throws that qualified as some of the most improbable completions of the week.

For the Niners, they’re lucky a deal fell through. Garoppolo is one of the best backup QBs in the league, and Lance is out for the season after breaking his ankle. Now, they can turn to a pro who knows their system well and can plug in instantly.

Coming in for Lance in Week 2, Garoppolo threw for 154 yards, completing 13 of 21 attempts and logging a touchdown. The Niners take on the Broncos in Week 3 for Sunday Night Football.