Report: 49ers asking for 1st-round pick in potential trade for Garoppolo

The San Francisco 49ers have been adamant about keeping quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the fold for the 2021 season.

While the passer remains on the roster, it appears the Niners may be open to parting with their signal-caller for the right price.

San Francisco is believed to be asking for a first-round selection in return for Garoppolo, according to NFL Network's Mike Giardi.

The 29-year-old's status with the franchise came into question after the 49ers executed a mega-trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire the third overall selection in the 2021 draft in exchange for four picks, including future first-rounders.

San Francisco is widely expected to select one of the top quarterback prospects with its upcoming pick.

General manager John Lynch has previously indicated Garoppolo is "very much still part of our plans," according to Cam Inman of the Mercury News.

Garoppolo does have control over his future with a no-trade clause in his deal that will pay him $24.1 million in 2021. The Niners could save $23.6 million by trading or releasing Garoppolo before June 1.

The New England Patriots have been among the most logical destinations for the Eastern Illinois product. Garoppolo spent the first three seasons of his career in Foxborough before New England dealt him for a second-round pick in the 2018 draft.

However, the Patriots are reportedly not pursuing a reunion with their former field general. New England could rely on Cam Newton for another year after signing him this offseason, and the franchise has also been doing its due diligence on quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.