To suggest that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-most-likely-destinations-for-aaron-rodgers-in-case-of-packers-exit-20230223-SPD-3430.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> isn’t a major player in the NFL would be an understatement. A counterargument may be that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-titles-have-the-patriots-won-20230219-SPD-3423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a>‘ quarterback isn’t the worst option.



In either case, the Niners will have to choose between Trey Lance and Brock Purdy for the next season. The likelihood of the 31-year-old’s return to the Bay Area is low given their desire to trade him.



Having eliminated one of Jimmy Garoppolo’s prospective destinations, we can focus on the other three teams that would be the best fit for him at this stage in his career.



<h2>3. New York Jets</h2>



Speculation about a possible deal between Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets has been rife for some time. If they are unable to get the Green Bay Packers’ superstar via a trade, they have Derek Carr in mind as a backup plan.



But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from looking back through time, it’s that the Jets seldom succeed in getting what they want. If that happens again this summer, they may have to consider Jimmy Garoppolo as an option.



<h2>2. New England Patriots</h2>



Reports indicate that the New England Patriots are beginning to have doubts about Mac Jones’ viability as the team’s starting quarterback. During his sophomore year, he took a step backward and was even taken off the field for a game.



Coach Belichick has always spoken highly of Jimmy G. It’s worth noting that he reportedly wanted to sell Tom Brady to the 49ers in order to retain Jimmy Garoppolo, so he may end up back with the Patriots in some capacity.



<h2>1. Carolina Panthers</h2>



The Carolina Panthers might need a new quarterback as Sam Darnold enters the last year of his contract. When Darnold was cut and then reinstated to the starting lineup last year, nothing is set in stone.



It’s clear that Matt Corral isn’t quite ready to take charge, so Frank Reich will have to weigh his alternatives. As such, Garoppolo might serve as a suitable fill-in for the next season or two.

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit - thesportsdrops NEWS

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit

miniaturas

When the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield</a>, it seemed pretty clear they wanted him to take the reins this year. However, Matt Rhule wanted him to fight for the job before announcing who would be QB1.



This week, Carolina finally announced that Mayfield will be the starting quarterback in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season</a> against his former team, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>.



That means Sam Darnold‘s aspirations of keeping the job are over after weeks of fighting for the position. Though it’s not what he wanted, he didn’t complain about the Panthers’ decision to bench him.



<h2>Sam Darnold not mad about losing Panthers’ QB job to Baker Mayfield</h2>



“We were fighting for the starting job,” Darnold said, via ProFootballTalk. “Every day was our game day out there during camp, especially as we got into these last couple weeks. . . . Obviously it didn’t go my way. Coach named Baker the starter. My mindset is it is what it is. For me, right now, I’m gonna do everything I can to support Baker and get him ready to play a game.”



At the end of the day, this is a team sport, regardless of which position you’re playing. Darnold had his chance last year, and he didn’t seize it. Now it’s Mayfield’s turn, and Darnold has no option but to support him and be ready in case he’s needed.

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

The <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-leonard-fournette-knew-tom-brady-would-come-back-from-retirement-1348-20220607-SPD-1348.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a> and the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carolina Panthers</a> have reached an agreement on the trade of quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-seahawks-pete-carroll-suggests-chris-carsons-neck-issue-might-cause-him-to-retire-1426-20220610-SPD-1426.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baker Mayfield</a> this week in exchange for a conditional first-round selection in 2024. There will be a $4.85 million split between Carolina and Cleveland in terms of Mayfield’s contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.



It was agreed that the 27-year-old would convert the remaining $18.8 million of his salary into incentives in order to speed up the transaction, which is still subject to a medical examination. There’s a chance that Mayfield will be able to recoup that money.



For the 2024 NFL Draft, the Browns will get a fourth or fifth round selection depending on how much the quarterback plays in Carolina. In order for a fourth-round choice, a league source told ESPN‘s David Newton that the quarterback would have to play 70 percent of the plays.



<h2>Baker Mayfield to attempt to revive career in Cleveland</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">A parting message from GM Andrew Berry was among several given by the Browns in regards to their former franchise quarterback: “He will always have a unique place in Browns history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career.”</blockquote>



After obtaining Mayfield, the Panthers are reportedly not interested in departing with his rival quarterback, Sam Darnold. In training camp, they will once again fight for the starting spot. If Mayfield wins the starting quarterback position, he will face his former side, the Cleveland Browns in the opening game of the season.

Carolina Panthers

Top 3 most likely destinations for Jimmy Garoppolo in case of 49ers exit

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

NFL News: Panthers acquire Baker Mayfield from Browns

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