The Facts: Garoppolo is one of the top free agents at his position, so he should have a healthy market. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the Panthers, Texans and Raiders are “likely” to have interest in Garoppolo. All three are in search of a starting quarterback, and all three have a top-10 pick.

Diehards Line: So, Garoppolo could end up being a bridge quarterback rather than the long-term answer somewhere. As previously noted, the Texans now are coached by former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, who hired former 49ers assistant Bobby Slowik as his offensive coordinator. Garoppolo went 7-3 in 10 starts last season and passed for 2,437 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.