The Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers are in very similar situations with their previous starting quarterbacks.
Both teams seem ready to move on from the starter that has led them to the playoffs recently, but other teams are not currently playing ball to make it happen. While the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson despite all of his off-the-field concerns, the Niners acquired Trey Lance by trading up in the 2021 NFL draft.
Based on the latest reports, Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo could find themselves being released. ESPN polled league executives, coaches, and agents on the situations regarding the two veteran quarterbacks who have been in limbo all offseason.
According to ESPN’s poll, many around the league expect both to be released:
“The majority of the people to whom I spoke for this story believe both players will likely end up being released. A couple of people thought Garoppolo might still draw trade interest, provided an acquiring team could work out something to knock down the salary or spread it out over a couple of years.”
With both quarterbacks given excused absences from mandatory minicamp, it does not seem like either team is close to making a move.
Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 3,810 yards and 20 touchdowns with 12 interceptions last season.
In 14 games, Mayfield completed just over 60% of his passes with 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He went 6-8 in his 14 starts as the Browns missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record.
