The San Francisco 49ers are expected to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the timer is on for when they’ll trade current starter Jimmy Garoppolo. That move has been on the clock ever since the 49ers traded two future first round picks to move from No. 12 to No. 3.
There have been numerous reports from “Insiders” of the 49ers working on potential deals. On Wednesday, NESN personality Dale Arnold reported the New England Patriots have been working on a way to make an adjustment to Garoppolo’s contract in order to get a deal done.
What I’ve been told, by a reliable source —- @Patriots are working on a new contract for Jimmy G that could lead to a deal with @49ers. Same source who correctly told me Tom Brady had signed with @Buccaneers. Doesn’t mean it will get done, but they’re working on it.
— Dale Arnold (@DaleEArnold) April 28, 2021
Garoppolo is due $25.5 million in total compensation for 2021 and $25.6 million in total compensation for 2021 and 2022, per Over the Cap. His APY ranks 11th among quarterbacks. That’s not entirely unreasonable, but given his injury history, teams are going to be a big hesitant to pay out big bucks. More than likely we see the 49ers follow the Carolina Panthers lead on the Teddy Bridgewater trade and take on some of his salary.
Arnold made a point to state it didn’t mean the deal would get done, and Thursday morning, Adam Schefter poured a little cold water on trade discussions. He reported that while the 49ers were expected to speak with several teams, chances of a deal getting done during the draft were “remote.” Plenty can chance in a hurry if one side decides to cave a bit, so we’ll see what the draft brings.