How could a Jimmy Garoppolo trade affect the 2022 NFL Draft

The San Fransisco 49ers took Trey Lance on a trade-up in the NFL Draft last year. Which was an early signal that Jimmy Garoppolo may no longer have a future with the 49ers. He seems destined to be traded, but what effect could it have on the 2022 NFL Draft?

With the 2022 NFL Draft having a cloudy quarterback class, Jimmy Garoppolo could be the answer for a QB-needy team, changing multiple teams’ draft boards. Teams later in the draft may not want to take a shot on a young rookie leading their team if they have a hole to fill. Some teams may just be looking to change it up a bit, with new coaches, systems and Garoppolo has a decent resume.

As for who would be interested in his services, several teams have been mentioned; Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and if Deshaun Watson gets moved, we could see the Houston Texans as an option.

Should either the Broncos, Saints, or Steelers choose to pursue Garoppolo, that could have a significant change in the draft, with a move up or down going after OL in the Steelers case, or WR for the Saints, and defensive back for the Broncos.

Jimmy Garoppolo could cause a domino effect in the 2022 NFL Draft

With Jimmy Garoppolo being the most likely best option on the free-agent market for a QB, there should be no shortage of teams checking in. However, his performance in the playoffs could hurt what he assumes to be his perceived value.

I would not expect a big contract for Garoppolo, but something in the three-to-four-year area seems more likely. Garoppolo will still be just 30 years old when he is traded or cut (which seems unlikely) leaving several more good seasons left in him.

He is one of the few players in this FA/trade candidate class whose addition could send a domino effect moving forward in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Outside of his questionable playoff play Garoppolo has done well the last three years in San Fransisco. He has averaged a 68.1 percent completion rate, while totaling 8,857 yards, 54 touchdowns, to just 30 interceptions. He was also able to avoid sacks in a decent way, with 35 sacks in a season being his highest total. Over the last three years, he started in 37 games, wrapping up a total record of 25-12.

He was injured in 2020 or he most likely would have had three seasons in a row over 3500 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Which is the best landing spot for Jimmy Garoppolo?

The Steelers would be the best landing spot for him, not only for his style but also for the team. With the Steelers already being a playoff team, they are a quarterback away from making some good runs with some talent on the roster in Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, and Path Friermuth. They should be able to get Jimmy Garoppolo for a decent deal and avoid making a questionable decision at quarterback in the draft. This would allow them to focus on the offensive line or defensive back.