1660576359 Jimmy Garoppolo ignored the 49ers for weeks after signing a

Jimmy Garoppolo ignored the 49ers for weeks after signing a $137 million deal, the report says

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USATSI

The 2022 NFL preseason has officially begun, and the fate of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer clear. A trading partner has yet to be found, and it’s possible the 49ers might end up releasing him.

While Garoppolo guided the 49ers to the Super Bowl and NFC Championship just last season, an unflattering report surfaced last week that potential suitors might want to hear about. According to The San Francisco Chronicle’s Mike Silver, Garoppolo “disappeared” for most off-seasons — including in 2018 after signing his five-year, $137.5 million contract.

“After he left that press conference, he wasn’t heard from for weeks,” an unnamed assistant 49ers coach on the staff told H/T Peter King’s Football Morning in America in 2018. “He didn’t call back, he didn’t do it. No messages back – he basically just disappeared. And we looked at each other and were like, ‘What just happened?’”

It goes without saying that it takes a different kind of work ethic to be successful in the NFL — especially when it comes to quarterback position. Front offices want their signal callers to be a role model in everything they do, including how to deal with the off-season. This new report seems to indicate that Jimmy G was really enjoying his free time.

Perhaps the experience Garoppolo is going through will change his approach to the game. It is not yet clear who he will play for in 2022. There are currently no clear landing spots for him, although it has been reported that the Cleveland Browns will consider trading for him if Deshaun Watson’s suspension increases significantly. Rival Seattle Seahawks could also be in the mix, although they will likely need Garoppolo to get released. Pete Carroll and company appear to be convinced by Drew Lock and Geno Smith, but last month it was reported that Seattle had even been working in the film room to see how Garoppolo would fit in.