49ers are Screwed With Small Clause in Jimmy Garoppolo's Contract

The San Francisco 49ers have not been able to replicate the success they enjoyed during the 2019 season. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been plagued by an ankle injury throughout the season, making the 49ers' QB situation unstable. Garoppolo's inability to stay healthy hurts his status as a franchise player.

Even if San Francisco decides that parting ways with Garoppolo and his massive contract is the best decision, a clause in the QB's contract complicates things.

A highly specific no-trade clause for the 2021 season was likely a mere throw-in to the QB's contract when it was signed, but now it becomes a big issue that San Francisco must deal with. It potentially limits the 49ers' options since they will need Garoppolo's approval for any trade involving him. And he has no incentive to accept any proposed move unless it will benefit him.

When healthy, like during the 49ers' Super Bowl run during the 2019 season, Garoppolo has been able to live up to the 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension he signed in 2018. The QB threw for almost 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, showcasing his potential when he's not on the inactive list.

During his injury-filled 2020 campaign, though, Garoppolo is only averaging 182.7 yards and 1.2 touchdowns per game. That's not going to get it done for a team that has proven it can compete for a championship.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed his commitment to Garoppolo as the team's starting QB in 2021, although that's what a coach should say about his team's franchise quarterback. San Francisco will need to decide if Garoppolo is the player best suited to keep the team in Super Bowl contention, but his 2021 no-trade clause could become a source of tension if it's clear he is not their guy anymore.

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