The San Francisco 49ers had the parameters of a trade agreement in place that would have sent Jimmy Garoppolo to the Washington Commanders at this year's scouting combine, but the deal fell apart once the quarterback decided to have shoulder surgery, sources told ESPN.
The deal would have involved multiple draft picks, according to sources, but was disrupted by the surgery to Garoppolo's throwing shoulder, which prompted the Commanders to move on from their talks with the Niners and trade two third-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Indianapolis Colts for Carson Wentz.
The 49ers were fortunate that Garoppolo had the surgery and didn't wind up in Washington. They now will need him to replace Trey Lance, who is out for the season after suffering a fractured fibula and ligament disruption — the same injury that both Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota suffered on the same day during the 2016 season.
Based on their recovery timelines, Lance is expected to return in time for the 2023 season. But for now, Garoppolo takes over at quarterback for the 49ers, whose players have noticed and commented in recent weeks that the nine-year veteran «has been throwing dimes in practice.» Garoppolo and the Niners visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.