Jimmy Garoppolo’s shoulder surgery could be a bigger factor for the 49ers quarterback than previously thought.
On March 8, Garoppolo had a successful procedure on his right throwing shoulder which will prevent him from throwing a football for up to 16 weeks. Remaining in the same offensive system would likely facilitate the veteran’s success by Week 1 of the 2022 season but it might weigh heavily on teams still looking for a quarterback.
On Monday the Indianapolis Colts facilitated a trade to acquire Matt Ryan and shortly after the New Orleans Saints re-signed Jameis Winston. The potential trade partners for Garoppolo are becoming fewer by the minute and Garoppolo not being healthy by the start of the offseason might be a factor why.
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Indianapolis seemed to be the perfect trade partner for Garoppolo boasting a strong run game and a stout defense similar to what the quarterback has had in Santa Clara. Instead, the team opted for Ryan who will be able to start working on the field immediately during OTAs.
It takes more than a few weeks for a quarterback to develop chemistry in a new system with a different receiving corps. It even took Tom Brady much of the 2020 season to get into a rhythm with his team when he first joined the Buccaneers.
The future Hall of Famer started with a 7-5 record during Tampa Bay’s run to win Super Bowl LV and that was with Brady participating in a full offseason.
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After eight seasons in the league, Garoppolo is fully capable of learning a new offensive system quickly. Most players who start with new teams explain that it is a different language but still just football. For quarterbacks, the challenge is greater.
Even though Garoppolo has successfully taken the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV and the NFC Championship game in the two seasons he was healthy, John Lynch and the 49ers have been unable to secure a suitable trade partner for their signal-caller. Garoppolo’s resume alone might not be enough.
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Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that a key motivating factor in their blockbuster trade to select QB Trey Lance with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was Garoppolo’s ability to stay healthy for an entire season. It could also be influencing the decisions of other front offices around the league.
Teams that are still in the market for a quarterback could be the Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons. The potential that Garoppolo remains on the 49ers roster through the offseason could be increasing.