On January 30, Jimmy Garoppolo was leading a San Francisco 49ers offense that was one game away from the Super Bowl. Fast forward to February and he’s wondering where he’ll play in 2022.
Since arriving in San Francisco, Garoppolo has posted a 31-14 record in the regular season and gone 4-2 in the postseason. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at, but it’s also become clear the 49ers want more. San Francisco is likely to move on to Trey Lance in 2022, which means they are likely to trade Garoppolo, who isn’t one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, but has proven more than capable of winning in the right system.
.@ninko50 says the Colts are just one QB away from the Super Bowl 😤
"I think Jimmy G with the Colts would put them over the top and get them to the Super Bowl!" pic.twitter.com/1StlSbU9P3
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 16, 2022
So which team would be the best fit for the 30-year-old? Here’s a look at the top 5.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The AFC North is a tough division, but Pittsburgh made the playoffs this year despite subpar quarterback play, and Garoppolo could help them make another push in 2022. Not only is Garoppolo used to competing in a tough division where every game is magnified, but the Steelers — like the 49ers — are built around a stout defense and a strong rushing attack.
Najee Harris could carry the bulk of the offense and Chase Claypool offers up a big-play threat. In the same way the 49ers rely on their defense, T.J. Watt and company lead the way for Pittsburgh. The Steelers, like the Patriots and 49ers, have a strong culture and plenty of stability, which would likely keep Garoppolo comfortable.
The path to the playoffs is tougher for the Steelers than for other teams on this list, but it’s also viable and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Steelers make a push for Garoppolo.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
When the Patriots drafted Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 Draft many assumed he would be the heir apparent to Tom Brady. Obviously, that never transpired in New England, but it could happen in Tampa Bay.
Not only is the division up for grabs, but so is the starting job. The Tampa Bay quarterback room, which consists of Blaine Gabbert (a free agent) and Kyle Trask doesn’t inspire the fan base with much confidence, so a trade for Garoppolo would certainly be welcomed.
If the Bucs are honestly considering Blaine Gabbert or Jimmy G they should just start getting some Wing T practice in today
— The Pewter Plank (@ThePewterPlank) February 4, 2022
The roster also has the potential to be similar to the one that won the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. However, there are many notable free agents — including Leonard Fournette, Chris Godwin, Rob Gronkowski and Ronald Jones — and decisions on those players will go a long way toward determining this team’s ceiling.
Even if they don’t all return, this is still a desirable landing spot because the path to the postseason doesn’t appear to be all that difficult. The Saints are going through a coaching (and likely quarterback) transition. The Panthers are also looking for their quarterback and the Falcons have posted four straight sub-.500 seasons.
New Orleans Saints
Speaking of the chaos in the NFL South, the Saints could also make a play for Garoppolo. We’ve already discussed the fact that the division is up for grabs, giving Garoppolo a realistic path to the playoffs and New Orleans would also present a similar blueprint to that of the 49ers in a team with a top-tier defense and versatile playmakers on offense.
The Saints’ defense gave up 19.7 points per game last season (fourth in the NFL). Alvin Kamara isn’t a between-the-tackles bruiser, but he’s a dynamic playmaker who can make things happen in space. (He does, however, have ongoing legal troubles, so there are a few question marks regarding his future.) Michael Thomas is also expected to return next season, giving the quarterback a No. 1 wideout to throw to.
Washington Commanders
Ryan Fitzpatrick is gone and Taylor Heinicke currently tops the depth chart. The NFC East is wide open and if Washington wants to get back to the playoffs for the second time over the past three seasons, an upgrade at the quarterback position would be a step in the right direction.
Chase Young and Montez Sweat will need to play better on the defensive line, something both are capable of, but there are plenty of pieces in place. Antonio Gibson is a solid back and Terry McLaurin had over 1,000 yards last season. If Garoppolo were to be traded to Washington, he’d likely have to do a bit more lifting than in some of the other spots on the list, but the NFC East is without a juggernaut and there’s no reason to doubt he couldn’t take this team to the playoffs.
Denver Broncos
New head coach Nathaniel Hackett will likely want a new quarterback as he begins his tenure in Denver. Garoppolo won’t be as dynamic of a passer as Hackett had in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers, but having an offensive-minded head coach could help get the most out of Garoppolo.
The Broncos roster is loaded with talent, but so is the AFC West — especially at quarterback. That brings into question the asking price. The Broncos need to upgrade, but they can’t give up too much and handicap the rest of the roster.
Call your shots.
Where do these quarterbacks play in 2022?
Aaron Rodgers:
Russell Wilson:
Jimmy Garappolo:
Mitch Trubisky:
Jameis Winston:— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) February 14, 2022
Even if Denver gets Garoppolo, an upgrade over its current options, he’d be the fourth-best quarterback in the division. Is the rest of the roster talented enough to overcome that? Or would they be better off swinging for the fences and hoping to hit a home run in the Draft?
Wild Card: Miami Dolphins
New head coach Mike McDaniel has said all the right things about Tua Tagovailoa and the team may end up starting 2022 with Tagovailoa as its quarterback. However, McDaniel, who was previously the 49ers offensive coordinator, has familiarity with Garoppolo.
The Dolphins, albeit under a different coaching staff, made a play for Deshaun Watson last season so they’re certainly open to trying to find a new signal caller. If they still feel that way, McDaniels’ success and relationship with Garoppolo could pave the way for a reunion.
