New England Patriots Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo as Good as Gone

A former New England Patriots executive predicts that the team will trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo following the 2016 season.

With Tom Brady still playing at a high level at the age of 39, the New England Patriots may seek to see what they can get this offseason for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

The third-year quarterback showed what he could do on the field this season when he filled in for Tom Brady the first game and a half. Former Patriots and Cleveland Browns executive Mike Lombardi believes there will be yet another trade between his two former teams this offseason. This time involving the young quarterback.

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"“The next quarterback that’ll be the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback perhaps is Jimmy Garoppolo in New England,” Lombardi said Thursday on FS1’s “Speak for Yourself,” via WEEI. “I think Cleveland understands, Hue Jackson specifically understands he needs a quarterback. I think they’ll be very aggressive. I think Jimmy Garoppolo’s on top of their list, and I think they’ll go hard after him.”"

Lombardi also believes the Chicago Bears will also inquire about Garoppolo. Both teams will be franchise quarterback thirsty and the Eastern Illinois product may be as close to that as any quarterback coming out in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Before going down with a shoulder injury, Garoppolo was impressive. He went 42-for-60 passing with 496 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. One could only wonder how much impressive he would’ve been if he played all four games during Brady’s four-game suspension.

While he proved he could be the successor to Brady, Garoppolo also proved he could start in this league and thus, became appealing to all teams that may be in search of a starting quarterback. Patriots fans would love for him to stay in New England, but chances are, he may have to wait awhile behind Tom Brady.

Also, with Garoppolo playing the final year of his rookie deal next season, he will demand some serious cash. With that, the Patriots must decide whether commit to Jimmy Garoppolo or move on from Brady.

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It would take a major decline by the 201-game winner for Bill Belichick and company to consider the latter.

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