Falcons Sign 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo? 'Natural Fit,' Says Insider

Could the Atlanta Falcons pursue San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason? One ESPN insider believes the answer is yes.

The Atlanta Falcons are set to enter the transactional period of the NFL offseason with a big question mark at quarterback but several of resources available to find a solution.

Atlanta currently has the second-most cap space league-wide at $56 million and holds the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

However, one analyst doubts the Falcons are in the correct position to select one of the four top-rated passers, leaving three pathways - stick with incumbent Desmond Ridder, make a trade or sign a free agent.

And if Atlanta opts for the final avenue, ESPN believes that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is firmly in play ...

"Garoppolo is expected to be really No. 3 in the pecking order behind Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers in this quarterback carousel," ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said. "Natural fits for him are the Texans and Falcons."

It's important to note that Fowler is merely suggesting a fit, not predicting it happens.

The "fit" element makes sense when considering Garoppolo operated a run-heavy unit predicated on play action passing concepts and attacking the middle of the field in San Francisco, which is largely the basis of how Falcons coach Arthur Smith runs his offense.

Atlanta could, in theory, bring in Garoppolo to push Ridder and offer a valid alternative if the latter doesn't take the next step this offseason - but the price tag doesn't support that.

According to the report, signing Garoppolo would not exactly be cheap, as he's expecting to command money that he believes fits his talent... which in and of itself, seems vague.

"He wants a contract that measures with his skill set and ability," the report said.

Last season with the 49ers, Garoppolo completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 2,437 yards and 16 touchdowns with four interceptions before his year was cut short due to an injury.

In terms of value, that kind of efficiency would command a relatively high price on the market, with Spotrac projecting his contract at 4 years and $150 million, with $75 million guaranteed, breaking down to an average of $37.5 million APY.

And considering the fact that Garoppolo has led his past teams to Super Bowls, and NFC Championships, and has won multiple playoff games, that price could potentially go even higher if multiple teams get involved.

Could one of those be the Falcons?

Only time will tell - but at least in the eyes of Fowler, it's certainly a possibility.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan

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