Two quarterbacks were involved in the 2022 offseason. They were both waiting to be traded by other teams. The Browns traded Baker Mayfield to Panthers. This leaves 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to be the next to go.
While the situations are similar, there are many key differences. Garoppolo's $25million compensation package is not guaranteed. Garoppolo could be squeezed more aggressively than Mayfield to reduce his pay.
The relationship between Garoppolo and the 49ers hasn't soured, as Mayfield and the Browns did. Garoppolo can be brought to camp by the 49ers. While they wait for trade offers, they can wrap Garoppolo in bubble wrap. Garoppolo shouldn't be allowed to do that. However, the 49ers will likely use Garoppolo's "nice guy" reputation against him. If the 49ers want to keep an often-injured quarterback safe while they wait for another quarterback to become injured, then practice and play in August.
It remains to be seen if Garoppolo will make the issue a priority, as Mayfield appeared to have done. Garoppolo needs to have some certainty given that it is possible that the 49ers will continue to hold onto his rights until the regular-season approaches. This would make it difficult for him get a fair offer from other teams who already have their depth charts.
Garoppolo, like Mayfield, needs to resolve issues before training camp opens so that he can be in the best position to win the starting job, and have a successful season. If the 49ers want too much in trade, it could make matters more complicated. Financial matters are also delicate. Garoppolo is expected to lower his salary and the 49ers could be expected to pay some of it.
Because they don't have to worry about Mayfield calling the Browns about a quarterback, the 49ers may feel more confident waiting for one to happen. The 49ers also have to be concerned about Sam Darnold calling the Panthers from the 49ers. Garoppolo must take the Niners by surprise and demand that they trade or release him before training camp begins.
