Jimmy Garoppolo may not be the best quarterback on the market this offseason, but he’s still expected to set off a bidding war for his services, according to one analyst.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Friday that Garoppolo will be in high demand once bigger-named play-callers are off the board.
“Garoppolo is gonna be costly,” Fowler said. “He wants a contract commensurate with his skill set and ability.”
The 31-year-old, nine-year veteran is considered the “No. 3 in the pecking order behind [Derek] Carr and Aaron Rodgers in [the] quarterback carousel,” Fowler added.
Fowler mentioned the Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons as potential suitors for Garoppolo. He could be a fit for several other additional teams in need of a veteran arm, including the Jets, Titans, Dolphins, Panthers and Commanders.
One team that isn’t expected to pursue his services is the San Francisco 49ers, his former team. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier this month that he doesn’t “see any scenario” in which Garoppolo is in the 49ers’ 2023 plans.
Garoppolo arrived in the Bay Area via trade from New England in 2017. His tenure there was riddled with injuries, poor play and constant trade rumors.
This past season, Garoppolo replaced third-overall 2021 pick Trey Lance after he faced a season-ending injury to his right ankle in Week 2, played in 11 games, starting in 10, and threw for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions. A foot injury in Week 13 led to Brock Purdy taking over the starting role.