On Saturday, we saw NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo on television and said his sources have heard that the 49ers plan to continue with Jimmy Garoppolo next season:
At first, no one knew what to make of Garafolo after rumors from Stafford to 49er circulated for the past two weeks.
Then, late Saturday night, the Los Angeles Rams took over Matthew Stafford from the Lions. The Rams have offloaded Jared Goff, and while Los Angeles has no first-round choice for eight years, McVay continues to bring his team to the playoffs year after year.
There’s no way the 49ers give up so much design capital for Stafford. I could only imagine the fury this morning if Stafford had been traded to San Francisco. We don’t have to play that hypothetically anymore.
On Saturday morning, former ESPN reporter Josina Anderson tweeted:
Text from competition source on it # Lions trade talks for QB Matthew Stafford: “I’m sure they’ll get a trade, but right now they’re looking for a sucker to overpay.”
– IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 30, 2021
The 49ers wouldn’t be the loser. However, it should be noted that one of those first round picks was probably due to Goff’s contract being discharged. Peter Schrager of the NFL Network reported that Stafford wanted to play for the Rams.
Matt Maiocco said he heard the 49ers weren’t serious players with regard to acquiring Stafford a few days ago. Maiocco said he has no doubts that the Niners were interested early on, but that they didn’t go “all-in” like the Rams chose.
It’s Sunday morning and Garoppolo is still the 49ers’ quarterback. The Texans have said they have no interest in trading Deshaun Watson. Garoppolo isn’t going anywhere unless an upgrade comes to San Francisco at an affordable price. I don’t think there is a price Watson is not worthy, but he is the only quarterback you can say that for.
If it wasn’t for Watson, it would look like the Niners would go along with our first off-season plan, where Garoppolo starts the season, and the 49ers draft a rookie early in the NFL draft.