Three possible free agent destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo

After six seasons in the Bay Area, Jimmy Garoppolo is officially leaving the 49ers organization this spring.

After a tumultuous ending to his San Francisco tenure, the veteran quarterback will hit the open market for the first time in his professional career. Playing on a restructured deal last season, Garoppolo served as the team’s starting QB for 11 contests before fracturing his foot in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins. Now coming off another season-ending injury, the 49ers’ front office made it known that Jimmy G would not return to SF in 2023.

“No, I don’t see any scenario of that,” head coach Kyle Shanahan stated bluntly during his final press conference of the season.

Despite a lackluster ending to his 49ers’ career, Garoppolo is expected to command the interest of several teams this offseason. And with many teams needing a starting-caliber QB, expect Jimmy G to get handsomely paid by his next franchise.

Here are three potential teams vying for Jimmy Garopplo’s signature next month.

#49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, a pending free-agent, will have "significant interest" from NFL teams.

Teams such as: #Jets, #Buccaneers, #Raiders, #Titans and #Texans could have interest, per @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/mhahkZqvAi

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 12, 2023

New York Jets

The Big Apple could very well be Jimmy G’s next stop in the NFL.

The Jets had an improved 2022 season, sporting a 7-10 record by the end of the regular season. Equipped with a roster full of young, high-upside talents, New York’s biggest problem is the quarterback position.

Last season was a merry-go-round at signal-caller, going from Zach Wilson to Mike White to the aging wonder that is Joe Flacco. Safe to say, the Gang Green feel that they are an above-average QB away from a bright future.

That’s where Jimmy G comes in.

Garoppolo would give Jets’ fans arguably their best QB since Chad Pennington in the mid-2000s (yeah, it’s been that bad). While Jimmy G has his flaws, New York will take that over what the franchise has put on the field the last few seasons. It also makes sense due to the head coach, Robert Saleh, the former defensive coordinator of the 49ers. The pair get to reunite in the Big Apple, hoping to compete in the AFC playoff race for a few seasons.

New York will need to move some contracts though, up against the salary cap in 2o23. But if they can do that (and find a taker for Zach Wilson’s contract), the Jets will be buzzing with excitement for “Broadway Jimmy”.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wouldn’t this be something, Jimmy G joining Tom Brady’s former team?

All storylines aside, Tampa Bay has mentioned the idea of continuing to compete after Brady officially retired from football this winter. With that in mind, the Bucs will be looking for a veteran QB to retool the franchise for 2023.

So why not Garoppolo?

Jimmy G can play a similar style to his former mentor, allowing Tampa’s skill players to get open for Garoppolo to place the football in the basket. This move doesn’t constitute much turnover in play-calling, only personnel. And after last season’s events, the focus should be on getting stability at the most important position.

Like New York, Tampa Bay will need to figure out its cap situation, holding the worst number in the league at -$55 million for 2023. That may take them out of the race for Jimmy G completely, but, if they really want him, Bruce Arians and the front office will find a way.

Washington Commanders

Oh, what could have been.

Amidst all of the Jimmy G chaos last year, the 49ers and Commanders had a trade in place to send Garoppolo to Washington for the 2023 season. Then he had shoulder surgery, nixing the deal and the rest is history. Only a year later, Washington should be in the Jimmy G sweepstakes yet again.

The Commanders are in a tricky spot, possessing a team with true superstar talent on both sides of the football. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has been a menace for secondaries in the NFL, making his first Pro Bowl appearance this past season. On defense, Washington has two elite run-stuffers in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, and an emerging Chase Young on the edge.

Simply put: Washington is likely a good QB away from being competitive in the NFC East again.

Jimmy Garoppolo is an obvious upgrade over any option on the current roster, able to come in and make the offense competent at the very least. Taylor Henicke was a nice story, Carson Wentz’s best days are behind him and Sam Howell is still rough around the edges. The Commanders need Jimmy G more than people realize.

Washington has the best cap situation out of the three teams listed, able to cut bait with Carson Wentz for a significant chunk of money returning this spring. That’ll allow the Commanders to compete with top-end offers for any QB, Jimmy G or not.

With the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys passing them by, Washington can’t afford to fade into football purgatory. The addition of Jimmy G doesn’t allow that to happen.

Honorable Mention: The Las Vegas Raiders

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