Getty Jimmy Garoppolo attempts a punt on Oct. 7, 2019, between the 49ers and Browns.
Eleven days ago, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick was among those who believed the Seattle Seahawks “should terminate” the San Francisco 49ers quarterback should the team he has played for since 2017 fire him, with the former NFL player and scout saying, “Look, the 49ers aren’t going to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to the Seattle Seahawks, in the division, but when they cut him, and it looks like they will eventually cut him, I’d be all over that. All around if I’m the Seattle Seahawks.”
But now, after the latest update on Wednesday afternoon, June 22 involving the Seahawks, the possibility of Jimmy G moving from the 49ers to the Pacific Northwest has started to look slimmer.
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Josina Anderson of CBS Sports HQ revealed that the ‘Hawks are still interested in a former first overall pick whose name has also been continually linked as a late trade possibility – Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns.
However, Anderson noted that doesn’t officially mean the ‘Hawks are fully committed to the 2018 first overall pick, who has been requesting a trade from the team that took him at No. 1.
I’m told the #Seahawks still have a high level of interest in acquiring quarterback Baker Mayfield and behind the scenes are open to extending him contractually, per a league source. I also know that the process of gathering information and views on Mayfield is still ongoing.
The Seahawks currently have Drew Lock and Geno Smith as their top two signal-caller options in the post-Russell Wilson era. Prior to the March 16 free agency signing period, Seattle decided to trade the only quarterback to lead the franchise to its only Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos. Many NFL analysts and fans believe Lock and Smith are not the long-term answers for Seattle’s QB room, so Garoppolo’s name was mentioned as a strong possibility if the 49ers opt to cut him before training camp.
However, there is this additional fuel for Garoppolo to not suit up for the 49ers’ northern rival: Seattle head coach Pete Carroll told ESPN on Saturday, June 18, that both Lock and Smith “have been very impressive” during their minicamp.
Garoppolo linked to Mayfield over other QB suitors.
If Seattle isn’t in play for the future, does that mean there will be no more possible league destinations left for the quarterback who has been the subject of trade rumors since after the NFC title game loss to the Los Angeles Rams?
As it turns out, there’s still one left: the Carolina Panthers. And USA Today NFL analyst Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire wrote why the Panthers remain the “best option” for the 30-year-old quarterback.
“When it comes to Garoppolo, schematically, one organization makes the most sense: Carolina,” Schofield wrote, before explaining how Garoppolo’s accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws and play-action designs make him ideal for the Panthers offense now run.
However, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported Tuesday, June 14, that Mayfield and Carolina have had talks, including the issue of Mayfield’s salary.
As minicamps begin today for the Browns and Panthers, trade talks between the teams continue around QB Baker Mayfield, according to sources. The main issue remains Mayfield’s salary and how much (or how little) the teams are paying.
– Jonathan Jones (@ jjones9) June 14, 2022
There’s another idea floating around involving Garoppolo and Mayfield via ESPN’s Jake Trotter: the Browns get Jimmy G should they sever ties with the former Oklahoma Sooner, plus if the QB the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson ends up being suspended by the NFL pending its ongoing investigation into Watson accused by women of sexual misconduct during massage sessions (Watson faces 24 active civil lawsuits).
Meanwhile, on the 49ers side, it appears Garoppolo will continue on the SF depth chart with the Seahawks showing “high-level interest” in another QB for Anderson.
