No better QB fit for SF than Garoppolo
Quarterback buzz is forever the air but there was still more to discuss in my weekly Instagram Live with 49ers fans, which we’ve converted into this mailbag:
Will Bosa be ready for Week 1? (@junior_b1414)
Apparently all is going well in his ACL recovery, which he’s continuing in Fort Lauderdale after months in Orange County. He told long-time NFL reporter Josina Anderson on Monday: “You’ll see my progress on the field next year. Tell them I’m gonna be better.” Rather than be skeptical over an ACL comeback, Bosa has credibility, having rebounded from his ACL tear that ended his high school career to thrive at Ohio State en route to the 49ers.
Do you think we’re going to sign Warner? (@young_g_)
They are not pressured into doing a deal right now. Everyone knows he deserves one after becoming an exemplary captain and All-Pro. Salary cap space is tight (for now). It might behoove him to cash in bigger next year. He’s under contract through 2021, and then they could franchise tag him, but I’d bank on a deal before next kickoff. Last year left such a bad taste watching DeForest Buckner leave rather than pay a homegrown defensive star.
Don’t put the 49ers fans or locker room through that again.
At safety, if Jaquiski Tartt is gone, is there a chance we draft Fred Warner’s brother, Troy? (@yeee_lbert)
Love it! Troy also played some cornerback for BYU. He was a fifth-year captain this past year, and the 49ers likely can get him late in the draft, perhaps with the fifth-round pick they’ll get from the Saints in the trade for Kwon Alexander, Fred’s former sidekick. However, if Tartt leaves (he’s valued here despite injuries), look for Jimmie Ward and Tarvarius Moore as the starting tandem, and a darn good one.
What is the best QB fit for us? (@emmanuel_ cruz_calderon)
I’ve differed with some of my peers on this, because I’ve said from the jump that Jimmy Garoppolo would be the 49ers’ QB in 2021. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson ain’t walking through that door, nor is Deshaun Watson at the Texans’ probable asking price. Also, Garoppolo has a no-trade clause. If I’m him, and I know he’s supposed to handsomely receive $25 million each of the next two years, there’s no way I’d approve of going to the Texans.
The Patriots or the Bears are desperate enough to pony up for him, then restructure/extend his deal. I can’t envision the 49ers releasing him for nothing. Only four teams have changed QBs so far. There’d still be a trade market for him. Again, I don’t think they’ll trade him. He makes everyone around him better with his bluecollar leadership — it’s not fake, he’s doesn’t openly rip teammates, and he’s not a media hound seeking reassurances right now.
I have a financial question: I know the NFL is negotiating with TV sponsors and that may affect the cap. Will they make a deal so in two years the cap rises? (@kokolabush)
A 17-game schedule should mean more money, and hopefully more players, because that worked well this past year with practice-squad additions to offset COVID complications. The NFL announced last week it raised the floor to $180 million per year, and the league hasn’t set the cap yet because it’s waiting to see on the TV rights. I have a hard time believing the NFL is poor.
How long will we have Kittle? (@junior_b1414)
Well, they locked their offensive catalyst into a five-year contract last summer, and the goal is he stays healthier than he did in 2020, so he can reestablish himself as the NFL’s top tight end. Big salaries in 2022-25 eventually could prompt contract restructuring, which adds years while converting money into bonuses and lowering the immediate cap hit.
He’s their most financially secure player going, and he’s grinding away again in Nashville this offseason.
Do you think we’ll go after a big-body veteran receiver, like Jeffrey getting released from the Eagles? (@ alfredrivera)
As for Jeffrey, who was the guy (see: me) who told the 49ers they drafted the wrong guy, who told Trent Baalke on draft night in the parking lot that he drafted the wrong A.J. (the 49ers took A.J. Jenkins in 2012, instead)? Nearly a decade later, Jeffrey has had an OK career as he’s worked through health issues. Shanahan wants speed out there. They need a fast slot receiver to complement Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk.