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Jimmy Garoppolo is rumored to be on borrowed time with the San Francisco 49ers. He is undoubtedly the best quarterback available on the trade market at this time.
Many teams have already been linked to the quarterback, but one NFC South franchise has now entered the conversation. According to NFL analyst Cam Marino, the Atlanta Falcons are in the market for the 30-year-old signal caller:
"Interesting update: The Falcons are one of five known teams with a call in to the #49ers regarding QB Jimmy Garoppolo, a source confirms."
Garoppolo is in the last season of his contract and is projected to count $26.95 million against the salary cap in 2022. He had a no-trade clause last season, but now San Francisco has the right to trade him to any team in the NFL.
The team that gets the quarterback would take on his $24.2 million salary but that amount is not guaranteed. Teams could possibly negotiate with him on a contract extension that reduces the salary in exchange for guarantees.
Jimmy Garoppolo has started 45 games in five seasons with the 49ers and has made two trips to the playoffs. He was acquired by San Francisco in a trade with the New England Patriots back in October 2017.
Despite reaching the Super Bowl once with Garoppolo leading the offense, the 49ers are keen on moving on from the former Patriot. The franchise will look to 2021 first-round draft pick, Trey Lance, to supplant him as the starter under center.
How would Jimmy Garoppolo fare with the Falcons?
As the 49ers starter, Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown for 11,362 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 38 interceptions. What’s more, his 67.7% pass completion rate is the third-best in the NFL since 2017. Only retired New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (72.8%) and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (67.8%) have outperformed him in this category since 2017.
But how would Garoppolo fit in with the Falcons? If general manager Terry Fontenot trades for the quarterback would Garoppolo just be given the job? Atlanta currently have Marcus Mariota and this year's third-round draft pick Desmond Ridder as their quarterbacks.
Garoppolo would almost definitely be an upgrade for the Falcons. The team traded their long-time quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. They could use the qualities and experience of Garoppolo at quarterback. Steadfast and composed, he could be the one to help push their receivers to the next level.
We’ll see soon enough if Atlanta are actually in the hunt for Garoppolo to lead the team forward.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Cam Marino and H/T Sportskeeda.
