The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a huge trade for Jimmy Garoppolo before the deadline last week that many thought would address their long-term quarterback need. Apparently that’s not necessarily the case.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Niners aren’t committing to Garoppolo long-term yet and that he could just be a place holder. Schefter says the team has other options, such as drafting a QB if they get a high pick, which it looks like they are positioned for. They also still could be in the running for Kirk Cousins when he becomes a free agent.
Given their options, Schefter says the Niners could decide to franchise tag Garoppolo and trade him this offseason to another QB-needy team.
It seems surprising that the 49ers would spend a second-round pick on Garoppolo and not view him as a potential franchise QB. Perhaps floating the possibility that they may later deal him could help in their negotiations with him to tell his side that they don’t need to give him a big contract.
