Most Likely Trade Destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo

In an offseason filled with quarterback trade rumors, one of the most common names discussed around the league is 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo coming off a 3,810 passing yard, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interception season looked comfortable in the 49ers offense utilizing his strengths to lead the team to the NFC championship.

Although losing to the eventual Superbowl champions, days later, at his end-of-season press conference, Garoppolo became honest about his job security and relationship with the organization stating he is in communication with 49ers on being traded to a franchise “where they want to win”. In the end, thanking the media and 49er faithful for a memorable time. Further signaling the 49ers and Garoppolo were heading in a new direction.

In order for that to happen however the 49ers have two options: 1) Trade Garoppolo for picks (the acquiring team absorbs his $25.5M contract while the 49ers save $25.5M) or 2)Cut him (49ers free up $25.5M but receive no compensation and Garoppolo has the freedom to decide his destination)

So with that being said here are a few teams that may acquire his services.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Once Tom Brady announced his intention to retire, the Buccaneers were now in need of a starting quarterback, and although Tampa Bay has rookie Kyle Trask to potentially start next season. Trading or signing Jimmy Garoppolo would be an upgrade at that position because of his familiarity with the short passing and management offense of the Buccaneers. However the problem with Tampa Bay is their draft capital, lack of cap space (projected around $6.8M in cap space), and the belief they may use their money to re-sign key free agents like receiver Chris Godwin, center Ryan Jensen, or cornerback Carlton Davis.

So although Jimmy Garopplo would be perfect for the Buccaneers; financially are the Bucs able to acquire him?

Denver Broncos

Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

Speculated to be a quarterback away from contending, the Denver Broncos this offseason will be active in the quarterback market and although names such as Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have been rumored. If the Broncos were to miss out on those elite QBs, Jimmy Garoppolo is a player Denver should look into. Considering he’ll be a game manager and be familiar with the projected west coast, outside-zone running offense Nathaniel Hackett and Justin Outten plan on excuting.

It will be interesting to see if Denver will make a play for Garoppolo but for now, I believe he is an option and the Broncos have their sights on other quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Coming off the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, the Pittsburgh Steelers may look into a new quarterback either in the draft or trade market. Although speculation has come out that the Steelers were interested in Malik Willis, Jimmy Garoppolo is a name the organization should be interested in if they don’t draft a rookie QB or rely on the likes of Mason Rudolph/Dwayne Haskins.

Moving forward even though the Steelers don’t have the day 3 mid-round picks in this year's draft to acquire Garoppolo, the franchise will have the available cap space to acquire or sign him if need be.

Washington Commanders

As another team in need of a new quarterback, the Washington Commanders will be another franchise active this offseason. Whether it be in the draft with the 11th overall pick or in the trade market, Jimmy Garoppolo is a quarterback the Commanders should be interested in because although they have Taylor Heinicke. Jimmy Garoppolo would be a good, short-term upgrade at the position for a season.

Houston Texans

With the Texans in rebuild mode, acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo would allow him to be a good mentor to Davis Mills or valuable starter for the time being similar to Washington. For now, it seems the Texans and head coach Lovie Smith believe in Mills but in hindsight, Garoppolo wouldn’t be a bad option to look into.

Thumbnail by nbcsports.com/bayarea