NFL Draft rumors: 49ers won’t trade Jimmy Garoppolo unless ‘overwhelmed’ by offer
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The rumors surrounding the 49ers’ decision at the top of Thursday night’s draft isn’t their only looming quarterback quandary as the NFL Draft begins.
The question of what the 49ers will do with incumbent Jimmy Garoppolo after they draft their quarterback of the future at No. 3 has naturally taken on some urgency as quarterback-needy teams reportedly continue to inquire about his availability.
And, if you believe some reports, the 49ers are aiming as high as they can at quarterback — allegedly, the 49ers called the Packers Wednesday night and inquired about Aaron Rodgers’ availability.
One report said the 49ers offered draft picks, including the No. 3 overall choice, as well as Garoppolo and other players to try to entice Green Bay to deal the 37-year-old Rodgers. Other reports indicate Green Bay had other teams call about Rodgers and the team has been consistent in telling teams A-Rod isn’t going anywhere.
But there may be a reason why teams have reportedly been calling the Packers. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Rodgers has informed some members of the Green Bay organization he doesn’t want to return to the team. Rodgers’ issues with Green Bay date back to last year’s draft when the team drafted quarterback Jordan Love with its first-round pick instead of adding talent that could immediately help the team.
Rodgers actually encouraged the Packers to accept the 49ers’ offer, according to ProFootballTalk.com, which also reported the former Cal star would also be open to playing for the Raiders or Broncos as he looks to move closer to the West Coast.
Those looking for more clues to possible acrimony, should also bear in mind an interesting tidbit from the NFL Network. Apparently, Rodgers is currently negotiating a long-term contract extension, so there also could be some leverage in play there.
Juicy rumors such as that one only add to the draft night intrigue, which is exactly what the NFL wants for its high-profile annual event. And, as Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported Thursday, the league has strongly encouraged the 49ers not to reveal which quarterback they will select until it’s time to turn in their pick.
What we can expect is that some draft-day trades will take place — there’s been an average of five trades during the first round over the past decade — but don’t expect Garoppolo to be involved in one of them.
That hasn’t prevented the rumors from flying. Dale Arnold of NESN reported the Patriots have been trying to work on a new contract with Garoppolo in hopes of getting him back to New England.
Yet, there’s an even stronger sense from other reporters that Garoppolo isn’t going anywhere. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media says the 49ers won’t trade Garoppolo unless someone “overwhelms them.” Schefter said plenty of teams will be contacting 49ers general manager John Lynch Thursday but the odds of him being dealt are remote.
The 49ers acquired Garoppolo for a second-round pick from the Patriots in 2017 and are apparently looking for at least a second-round choice in any deal. A key factor to remember is Garoppolo holds a no-trade clause in his contract this year. So he won’t go anywhere he doesn’t want to.
With Thursday’s 5 p.m. draft start inching closer, here are some of the latest rumors around the league:
Check back for more updates throughout the day.