Jimmy Garoppolo rumors: 2 teams emerge, but where’s the best fit?

Jimmy Garoppolo already has a pair of suitors in the lead-up to his unrestricted free agency.

You better believe Jimmy Garoppolo will have so many suitors heading into his free agency.

Garoppolo has shown in his NFL career that he is one of the guys and can quarterback a strong team to multiple playoff victories. He may only be a bridge at this point of his career, but when you are as handsome as he is, who cares really? Either way, Garoppolo’s time with the San Francisco 49ers is coming to an end, but he will be courted by many teams in his marquee NFL free agency.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday morning the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders will be in on him, as will potentially the New York Jets if they are unable to land Aaron Rodgers.

So between the Texans, the Silver and Black and to some extent Gang Green, who is the best fit for Jimmy G? Let’s discuss.

Jimmy Garoppolo free agency rumors: Texans, Raiders, Jets all interested in him

The most important thing to understand here is Garoppolo has a strong connection to all three head coaches in question. He was with DeMeco Ryans last year in San Francisco. Josh McDaniels was his offensive coordinator during their New England Patriots days. Robert Saleh was the 49ers defensive coordinator prior to Ryans. Clearly, all three know the type of player and person he is.

Personally, Garoppolo kind of works anywhere. He seems like a genuinely good dude and one his teammates will play hard for. Frankly, Houston is probably the worst fit for two reasons. The roster is not great and the Texans are absolutely taking a franchise quarterback at No. 2. Why would Garoppolo willingly sign up to be usurped in a year anyway? Las Vegas is the superior fit.

Garoppolo has never been afraid to play in an insanely competitive division. He would be the fourth-best quarterback in the AFC West, but he competed against Russell Wilson for years in the NFC West, so this is nothing new to him. More importantly, McDaniels is an offensive-minded coach and Garoppolo needs to go to a franchise where that type of structure is paramount to it.

While he would work in New York too, I kind of want to see Garoppolo be the 21st century version of Ken Stabler for the Silver and Black. Derek Carr is a slightly better quarterback than him, but you never really felt like he was one of the guys. It’s not his fault, it’s just who he is. I think Garoppolo would be a terrific addition in Las Vegas, regardless of what the Raiders plan to do picking at No. 8.

Ultimately, teams are going to take a chance on Garoppolo because of how he plays in winning time. He is a pretty selfless leader, and I think that would play well with a lot of teams. It has never been talent that has led to his downgraded stock, but rather his ability to stay healthy for a full season. It serves the Raiders to bring him in, and try to draft Will Levis or Anthony Richardson.

Jimmy G leading the Silver and Black out of the tunnel needs to happen for so many reasons.