The NFL offseason began earlier than the 49ers had hoped and now their first order of business is clear.
Find a trade partner for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
After losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium, it became clear that Garoppolo's time with San Francisco is likely coming to an end.
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ESPN released an offseason simulation in which NFL Nation reporters put on their GM hats and made moves for their respective teams. One of the biggest moves, of course, was Garoppolo's trade from the 49ers.
Here are the simulated offers:
Carolina Panthers' offer:
2022 fourth-round pick and 2023 second-round pick for Garoppolo
San Francisco 49ers
"Garoppolo has proven he can lead a team to the playoffs, and the Panthers believe with a rebuilt offensive line and a defense built to win now, he would do the same for them," ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton wrote. "And Carolina can use its first-round picks over the next two years to add help around him, starting with a left tackle."
Pittsburgh Steelers' offer:
2022 third-rounder, 2023 sixth-rounder and half of Garoppolo's salary for Garoppolo
"Garoppolo can help transition the Steelers' offense following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement," ESPN Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor wrote.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offer:
2022 second-rounder for Garoppolo
"Assuming the Bucs can keep their core roster intact, one could argue that they're really only a quarterback away from staying in contention -- and this one wouldn't break the bank, allowing them to keep their key free agents," ESPN Bucs reporter Jenna Laine wrote. "Garoppolo is no Tom Brady, but he has Super Bowl experience, played with Brady in New England and could, at the very least, serve as a bridge to Kyle Trask."
Washington Commanders' offer:
2022 third-rounder and 2023 fourth-rounder for Garoppolo
"Garoppolo is considered a strong leader, and while his injury history is concerning, the cost is not prohibitive," ESPN Commanders reporter John Keim wrote. "He'd be an upgrade -- though perhaps just a temporary one, depending on his play."
The 49ers' decision: Tampa Bay
"Finding the right match was a bit more difficult than expected, considering Rodgers and Wilson ultimately weren't traded," ESPN 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner wrote. "The offseason's QB market demand far outweighs supply in that case, and while the Niners are happy to recoup the second-round pick they traded to New England for Garoppolo in 2017, I was hoping for an additional mid-to-late-round pick in 2023, too."
There you have it, according to this ESPN simulation, Garoppolo will replace Tom Brady as the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season.
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As Wagoner writes, San Francisco recoups a second-round pick for Garoppolo, the price they paid to acquire him from the New England Patriots midway through the 2017 NFL season.
The 49ers traded away their first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 to Miami Dolphins in order to move up to No. 3 and select Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft. More than likely, they will ask for a first-rounder in a trade for Garoppolo, but it remains unclear if any team would be willing to pay that price.