Where Will Jimmy Garoppolo Play Next?

Garoppolo isn’t likely to be any team’s “Plan A” at quarterback. Teams either have money to spend on a free agent such as Kirk Cousins or Baker Mayfield, others will look to the draft, others still could get a new QB via trade. 

Regardless of fairly pedestrian statistics, Garoppolo has been a winner. He guided the 49ers to a Super Bowl and owns a 43-20 career record. It didn’t work in Las Vegas, but one could say that about a lot of players under now-fired coach Josh McDaniels. 

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t in a good spot financially when it comes to salary cap space, at $28.9 million. That’s not enough to meet the likely demands of their former QB, Kirk Cousins, on the open market. But it may be enough to get Garoppolo. Minnesota’s backup situation is good enough where missing two games with Jimmy’s suspension won’t be the end of the world. 

The same could be said for the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, teams strongly seeking a new QB. The Pats have far more money to spend, but are more likely to use the No. 3 overall pick on a new QB. The Steelers don’t have that luxury; they’re more likely to get a new QB, if they get one at all, via trade or free agency. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hope to re-sign Baker Mayfield after his breakout 2023 campaign. The Washington Commanders may move on from Sam Howell, but with the No. 2 pick, the draft is their more-likely path. 

It would take a considerable paycut, but the New York Jets need a new backup plan if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t stay on the field all season. 

The Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos are in the market, but one has the draft and the other is cash-strapped. They’re part if The Field, which includes a plethora of teams as there is no clear path for Garoppolo. That also makes “No Team” a strong contenders. Perhaps Garoppolo doesn’t find a new home for 2024.