Tom Brady Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Viewed As Possible Destination, Jimmy Garoppolo Likely Returns

The San Francisco 49ers are the latest team that’s gained traction as a possible Tom Brady suitor. The defending NFC champs are viewed by many as the perfect destination for the free agent.

NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran named San Francisco as a potential landing spot for Brady on Mad Dog Sports Radio Tuesday. Curran noted that there could be interest from both sides, even suggesting that Jimmy Garoppolo could return to New England in such a scenario.

Curran later clarified his comments on 95.7 The Game as rumors of the 49ers eyeing Brady began to spread. The reporter acknowledged that San Francisco hasn’t pursued the signal caller yet, indicating that the Tennessee Titans have the best chance to lure Brady away from the Patriots.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly prepared to pursue Brady. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could also go after the greatest quarterback of all time.

The idea that Brady could sign with the 49ers might not go away until the 42-year-old finally signs a new contract.

San Francisco is Brady’s hometown team. The 49ers arguably give Brady the best chance to win a title of any conceivable suitor. Garoppolo’s contract would allow San Francisco to move on from him without suffering any major salary-cap repercussions.

The loss in February’s Super Bowl kickstarted the notion that Brady and the 49ers are a fit. Garoppolo went 3-11 for 36 yards and an interception down the stretch of this past season’s final game, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to come back and defeat San Francisco.

Garoppolo was unimpressive in the playoffs. He had a 75.9 passer rating in three postseason games with 427 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.

The 49ers might have won the Super Bowl with Brady under center. San Francisco will likely enter the 2020 season as the NFC favorite if they sign Brady.

The 49ers are already the favorites in the NFC with the expectation that Garoppolo will remain their starting quarterback. Garoppolo led San Francisco to the conference’s No.1 seed with a 13-3 record in the 2019 regular season before the 49ers cruised through the NFC playoffs.

Garoppolo is 19-5 with a 99.2 passer rating in three seasons with the 49ers. He put up better numbers than most quarterbacks last year. That includes Brady, who had his worst statistical season in some time.

Garoppolo ranked third in yards per attempt (8.4). He was fifth in completion percentage (69.1) and tied for fifth in touchdown passes (27). Garoppolo finished eighth in passer rating (102.0)

Brady was ninth in passer rating (88.0). He was 27th in both yards per attempt (6.6) and completion percentage (60.8). The veteran ranked 13th in touchdown passes (24).

Brady’s one notable edge over Garoppolo was interceptions. The Patriots quarterback was picked off eight times, while his former backup threw 13 picks.

Part of Brady’s dip in production can be attributed to poor offensive line play and a lack of playmakers. His age is also hard to ignore as he enters his 21st NFL season.

Garoppolo is 14 years younger than Brady. Signing Brady and moving on from Garoppolo could give the 49ers better quarterback play in the immediate future. It’s a decision they might regret when the six-time champion calls it a career in one to three years.

Maybe the 49ers will try to sign Brady in hopes of taking advantage of their current championship window, but it’s far from a likelihood.