Jimmy Garoppolo To Jets? Scout Offers Outlook On Possible 2023 QB Match

The New York Jets conceivably can go in a number of directions at quarterback this offseason.

Zach Wilson’s tenure as the team’s starting quarterback appears over after a downright disastrous 2022 season while Mike White, who will return to action this week following a rib injury, might just be auditioning for the lead job over the final two games of the regular season.

But, the Jets could always look outside the organization for a signal-caller, which seems to be the missing piece for a club brimming with talent all over the field.

While Derek Carr’s name has been thrown out there as a possibility, the nothing-but-average quarterback might not be the best fit for the Jets.

Instead, one NFL scout believes 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be a free agent after this season, could be the best addition to take New York to another level.

“He’s probably the safest option for them,” an anonymous scout told NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “Safe isn’t a bad thing. It’s not sexy, but it’s not bad, either.”

The 49ers already tried to move on from Garoppolo this past offseason after giving the reins of the offense to Trey Lance, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With Lance set to return next season after sustaining a season-ending ankle injury and rookie Brock Purdy showing he’s more than a viable backup in the absence of the injured Garoppolo, the 49ers will again have no need for the veteran quarterback.

While Garoppolo does have his limitations and ongoing injury history, Schultz made several strong points as to why he could be a good match for the Jets.

First is the connection Garoppolo has with Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Saleh was San Francisco’s defensive coordinator for four seasons starting in 2017, the same year Garoppolo joined the 49ers. That familiarity could be the start of a solid quarterback-coach foundation.

Schultz noted Saleh runs a similar offense to that of Kyle Shanahan, which would aid Garoppolo’s transition onto a new team. And it certainly would help Garoppolo to throw to pass-catchers like Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore.

Garoppolo, who threw for 2,437 yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games this season, needs to be surrounded by the right play-makers — which the Jets have — in able to flourish. Garoppolo has also been where the Jets haven’t gone since 2010 as he boasts plenty of playoff experience.

That alone could entice the Jets to take a chance on Garoppolo and as Schultz pointed out, he could be on the cheaper side as well.

But at this juncture, anything besides Wilson will be an upgrade for the Jets.