Could Jimmy Garoppolo's next game be with the NY Jets?

The NY Jets have been connected to soon-to-be-free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for some time now as the team searches for an answer at the quarterback position.

The Garoppolo connection has been obvious given his familiarity with both Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur as well as the Jets' offensive scheme. And with the Jets potentially searching for a QB this offseason, Garoppolo seemed like a logical fit.

There were some rumblings that the San Francisco 49ers could look to bring Garoppolo back, a scenario that seemed almost impossible at the start of the season. However, it's hard to believe that happens now.

Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury in the 49ers' Week 13 win over the Miami Dolphins, effectively ending his 49ers tenure. Could his next game be as a member of the Jets?

Does Jimmy Garoppolo still make sense for the NY Jets?

Garoppolo's foot injury does complicate the situation a little bit. It's hard to predict what effect this will have on his market this offseason, especially given his injury history.

The 31-year-old has started every game in just one season in his NFL career and missed the majority of the 2018 and 2020 seasons due to injury. This is the third season-ending injury he's suffered in five full seasons as a starter.

There's also the Mike White factor. The Jets aren't exactly guaranteed to be in the market for a quarterback this offseason. If White continues to play well and the Jets make a playoff push, would they really search for his replacement?

White is set to be a free agent this offseason as well, but it's hard to believe his market will be as hot as Garoppolo's. Right now, it's impossible to predict where Garoppolo will land and if the Jets will be interested.

For all we know, Zach Wilson could return to the starting lineup at some point and look like a new player. It's certainly not likely, but there are too many variables right now to predict the future.

What we do know is this: Garoppolo will be one of the most sought-after quarterbacks available this offseason and the Jets are very much a team that could be looking for a new signal-caller.

On top of that, Garoppolo has experience in a similar offensive system and is familiar with the Jets' coaching staff. If the Jets are looking for a QB, Garoppolo still probably makes the most sense.

But that's the future. Right now, the Jets are in the middle of a playoff race and their current QB is playing at a pretty high level. Any talks of looking for a new quarterback can be tabled until further notice.