The 2022 NFL offseason showed lots of trades and signing that shocked many NFL fans.
Wide receivers and quarterbacks got huge contracts this year.
Some contracts came after players were traded to their new team.
There’s also been trade rumors surrounding players in the NFL.
One of those players is the San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
With rumors of the 49ers starting Trey Lance, it would seem a trade of Garoppolo was coming soon.
Trey Lance has gotten the "full impression" that he’ll be the starter in 2022, per @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/Nn4M4uQUSf
— Joey Arredondo (@NinersAnalyst) March 24, 2022
However, he holds all the cards with the 49ers.
Here’s how Jimmy G is in control of how the 49ers move forward with the quarterback.
Garoppolo Has The Experience Edge Over Lance
While Lance did well in the games he played in, Garoppolo has the experience edge over him.
He’s got playoff and Super Bowl experience under his belt with the 49ers.
After a trade landed him in San Francisco in 2017, he made a splash by going 5-0 in the team’s last five games.
His 2019 season with the team saw him go 13-3 and help take the 49ers to the Super Bowl that season.
So while Lance is an excellent quarterback and a good future option for the team, Garoppolo has what it takes to win in the present time.
However, Garoppolo will need to work on his decision-making for 2022 to help him keep that edge.
In 2021, he threw 12 interceptions and 20 touchdowns.
So he needs to lower that interception number to help himself and his team.
Garoppolo’s Contract Has Held Teams Back From Trading For Him
Another thing that’s keeping Garoppolo in San Francisco is his contract.
Teams aren’t willing to take over his contract in a trade for the quarterback.
While Garoppolo’s done well with the 49ers, other teams don’t think the money is worth the trade.
So unless he restructures his contract with the 49ers, he’s got the leverage with any trade talks.
A trade for him would cost the team trading for Garoppolo $26.95 million.
Jimmy Garoppolo Contract Breakdowns, Salary Cap Figures, Salaries, Bonuses | Spotrac https://t.co/UsBE3nli6O
— Ghosct (@ghosct) March 23, 2022
However, if the 49ers agree to take a hit on that money, the trade market for Garoppolo might change.
But that’s a lot of money to eat for a player that you are trying to get rid of.
So it wouldn’t make sense for the 49ers to do that in a trade when they can wait his contract out.
2022 Is Garoppolo’s Last Contracted Year With The 49ers
Garoppolo will not play for the 49ers beyond 2022.
Whether the team trades him or refuses to re-sign him, he’s gone after 2022.
Garoppolo can use this last season to increase his value going into 2023.
If he starts for the 49ers, or some other team, he’s going to need to play his best.
The better he plays, the better his chances are for another long-term contract.
However, if he stays with the 49ers in 2022 and is a starter, they give him the best chances of improving.
That is because he knows the system there and the players.
They also have a stellar defense that will keep the games close.
Those two things could help Jimmy G get paid in 2023.
NEXT: 49ers Should Pay Deebo Samuel His Market Value