Jimmy Garoppolo could end up with surprising NFC team

Sep 26, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) walks on the field before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is working his way back from an offseason shoulder surgery and expectations are that he’ll soon be traded. But to whom?

Most early rumors have centered around the New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. However, with each passing day, it seems like potential destinations are being dropped off the list.

But things change rapidly in the NFL. As training camps wear on and preseason games begin, the possibility for injury increases. And as more and more quarterbacks around the league suffer the usual dings and dents, names will ultimately be added back to that list.

Case in point: the Los Angeles Rams.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is dealing with an “abnormal” elbow injury and has been limited for much of camp. There seems to be a growing concern about his potential availability this season, which may thrust Los Angeles into the quarterback market.

That, of course, is where the 49ers and Garoppolo come in to play.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk postulates that the Rams could keep a close eye on Garoppolo despite making strange bed fellow with the 49ers. If an awkward trade couldn’t be worked out, Los Angeles could simply wait to see if Garoppolo is released and then pounce.

It would be an odd turn of events to see Garoppolo end up with the Rams and even possibly start, but stranger things have happened. And while that potential end is still a ways down the road, it’s worth monitoring as Garoppolo’s market develops and Stafford’s status becomes clearer.