This Jimmy Garoppolo Update Could Have Significant Implications for the Bears.
When considering quarterbacks who could significantly influence the Chicago Bears' off-season, the palpable names that come to mind are Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, and Lamar Jackson. Conversely, Jimmy Garoppolo is not often considered. Although the seasoned quarterback is not a prominent figure in the veteran market, certain circumstances could make him a pivotal figure in determining the fervor of the pursuit for the Bears' #1 overall pick.
The conundrum begins with the Las Vegas Raiders, who find themselves in a substantial quarterback dilemma. It is widely known that they will part ways with Derek Carr in the near future, either through a trade or a cut before February 15th. Once this occurs, they must secure a replacement, and it was widely believed that Tom Brady was their ideal target, but with his recent retirement, the Raiders are left searching for an alternative. Unless they are willing to pay the cost for Rodgers, most anticipate that Garoppolo will be their fallback option, given his established relationship with head coach Josh McDaniels.
However, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, this option may now be jeopardized. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have set their sights on restructuring their finances, as they have historically not deferred salary cap hits to future years, but with numerous players wanting to play for Brady, they made an exception. Additionally, the dip in the salary cap due to COVID-19 compelled them to push those hits into the future. They are now approximately $55 million over the cap, with $35 million of that being attributed to Brady. They expect to absorb this cost this year and their plan is to retool while still maintaining competitiveness, a plan they have had in place for a few years, knowing they would eventually have to pay these debts. The Buccaneers are expected to enter the veteran quarterback market, and Garafolo states that Garoppolo is one of the quarterbacks they are interested in.
If Garoppolo were to join the Buccaneers, it would bode well for the Bears, as the Buccaneers do not have a pick in the top 10. The removal of Garoppolo from the picture would eliminate almost any hope of the Raiders pursuing a veteran quarterback route. In the event that Rodgers lands in New York or Tennessee, as some have predicted, the Raiders would have no option but to redirect their focus to the draft. With the 7th overall pick, the Raiders are in a prime position to trade up if they are sufficiently desperate. With the Texans (#2) and Colts (#4) expected to take quarterbacks, the Raiders would have to move ahead of them to secure their desired player.
This serves as another reminder that even the less celebrated names can have a profound effect on an NFL off-season. Jimmy Garoppolo may not be the most sought-after quarterback on the market, but his decision on where to play could greatly impact the trade offers the Bears may or may not receive. This makes the next month and a half some of the most exciting and unpredictable days in recent memory, and the drama it will create will be enthralling.
