Jimmy Garoppolo Reveals Panthers ‘Were Top Of The List’ During Offseason Trade Talks
Oct 6, 2022, 5:11 PM | Updated: 5:22 pm
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 03: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 throws his wristband to fans as he walks off the field after their 24-9 NFL victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
(Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
It wasn’t too long ago that the future of the 49ers laid in the hands of unproven second-year talent Trey Lance. San Francisco seemed ready to move on from longtime starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, as he was held out of team meetings and remained without a playbook until the end of training camp.
Fast forward a few weeks and everything flipped.
Lance busted his ankle during Week 2’s contest against the Seattle Seahawks and like a broken record, Jimmy Garoppolo came in to save the day.
After finding himself without a worthwhile trade in the offseason, Garoppolo took a pay cut to remain in the Bay. You never plan for this to happen but San Francisco knew they needed insurance in case their young quarterback went down with an injury. A decision that proved wise by the Red & Gold.
Now weeks removed from trade speculation, Garoppolo can’t escape the drama, still getting asked questions about his potential suitors. One of those was reportedly the Carolina Panthers. But thanks to offseason shoulder surgery, Carolina, like most teams looking for a QB, hesitated on the chance to trade for him, instead going with Baker Mayfield under center.
Now more than a month into the NFL season, Garoppolo is still fielding questions about his uncertainty, revealing Thursday that the Panthers were advanced in talks during the offseason to be a potential landing spot.
Jimmy Garoppolo reveals that the Carolina Panthers “were at the top list” during trade talks over the offseason. #49ers pic.twitter.com/b0QfPewdq0
— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) October 6, 2022
“Yeah, they were top of the list I would say, one of the top couple,” Garoppolo said Thursday.
But alas, a trade never materialized and the veteran signal-caller remained in the Bay.
“Like I said, I’m glad the way things worked out. And I’m here so, focused on this stuff now,” Garoppolo added.
For the time being Garoppolo is a 49er, leading his team once again as they start 2-2 on the new season.
One of the biggest questions through the first four weeks has been the usage of former All-Pro tight end George Kittle. In two games, Kittle has a mere six receptions for 52 yards, nowhere near the targets he’s accustomed to. Some blame goes to the play-calling, and some goes to missing left tackle Trent Williams on the offensive line. Nevertheless, Garoppolo assured the media that his favorite target’s time will come, knowing good and well that the team rides the “hot hand”.
“I think just George, you know, coming back from injury and everything, getting his legs under him, he’s looked better and better every day,” Garoppolo stated. “His time will come. I think our offensive is one of those offenses where not everyone’s gonna have a good game every week…One week one guy will have a good game, next week, next guy. So it’s kind of just one of those situations.”
To watch the full press conference with Jimmy Garoppolo, click here.
