New England Patriots: Where Will Jimmy Garoppolo Play In 2017?

Jimmy Garoppolo’s name has been circling the media for almost a year now, as many think the New England Patriots could trade the QB this offseason.

What remains unknown is if the New England Patriots will in fact trade Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason. A number of teams possess the interest and need for the young QB, but the Patriots may not be willing to part with him. In the end I believe Garoppolo will be traded, as his value has never been higher, and he will be a free agent following the next season.

NFL Network’s Charlie Casserly believes Jimmy G is better than any QB in this years draft, and that a team in need of a QB should make the trade with New England.

"“Garappolo today is better than any quarterback in this draft. Now, he’s had three years of experience. You look at him coming out (of college), the guy had a quick release, he’s smart, he knows where to go with the ball. The guy is accurate, and he can make some plays on the move. You see all (those things) in the NFL."

The 2017 offseason is the perfect time for the Patriots to cash in on a lowly team aiming to rebuild around a young QB. Jimmy G will not be a Patriot in 2017, but where will he spend the year? Possible Garoppolo destinations below.

New York Jets

The New York Jets need a quarterback, but this is the least likely of landing spots for Jimmy Garoppolo. The Patriots would love to trade outside of the AFC, and would hate to send Jimmy to a division opponent in the AFC East. Ryan Fitzpatrick was among the leagues worst QB’s in the league in 2016. Behind Fitz, the Jets currently have Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. The Jets could offer New England their 6th overall pick as well as a current 4th round selection. The Patriots would likely try to tack on a few picks in future drafts as well. This is not likely to happen, but the New York Jets could get desperate.

Houston Texans

Again, the Patriots would love to send Jimmy G to the NFC. The Texans are another AFC team however, that could make a push for the quarterback. Houston overspent on Brock Osweiler last season, but a trade for Garoppolo would allow them to test the waters with him before signing a long-term deal. Bill O’Brien, a former New England coordinator, has installed a similar offense in Houston, so theoretically Garoppolo could slide in almost immediately. If the Texans decide to cut their losses with Osweiler, they could be all in on Garoppolo, offering their 25th overall pick, a 3rd round pick and possible future picks. This won’t be the best offer the Patriots receive though.

San Francisco 49ers

Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is taking over as the 49ers head coach. The San Fran QB picture is not ideal with Colin Kaepernick leading the way. This trade is completely possible. In fact, Shanahan told reporters that he had Jimmy Garoppolo as his second-ranked quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft. New 49ers GM John Lynch could pull the trigger in hopes of turning the team around. Dan Francisco has the 2nd overall pick in the draft, but even with it they’d need to offer more for New England to agree to a deal.

Chicago Bears

I believe the Garoppolo trade will come down to the Browns or the Bears. The Illinois native may find himself leading his hometown team in 2017. Jay Cutler should have never become Chicago’s franchise QB, and the team should move on. Behind Cutler the Bears have Matt Barkley, who was an improvement. However, a younger, more talented QB is available for the right price so Chicago should be all in. Trading for Jimmy G may also help the team re-sign wideout Alshon Jeffery. According to Jason La Canfora, the Bears are “primed to make a real run” for Garoppolo, and could offer up their 3rd overall pick.

Cleveland Browns

The Jimmy Garoppolo saga yearns for Cleveland Browns involvement. For decades, the Browns have been searching for their franchise QB. Garoppolo is their answer. If Cleveland believes he has the stuff to make it as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL, they should be all in. It is believed that the Browns would use their 12th overall pick on a QB, so rather than a rookie they could head into the season with a three-year veteran. Robert Griffin III, Cody Kessler and Josh McCown are not going to win you any games Cleveland, and neither will a new rookie.

If Chicago is willing to give up the 3rd overall pick, Cleveland’s 12th overall would not be enough. Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd thinks the Browns should offer up that pick in addition to the 1st overall selection.

"“If I was Hue Jackson, I would say ‘Take my first and my 12th pick.’ I have no problem doing that! You’re going to tell me if you coach Cleveland today… you wouldn’t give up that for Jimmy Garoppolo? You’ve got to be kidding me. You drafted four wide receivers last year, you wouldn’t give up a first and a 12th?”"

It’s possible, but not likely. I believe the Browns will offer their 12th pick as well as a 2018 1st round pick and a couple of 4th, 5th or 6th round picks.

Next: Jimmy G The Next Rodgers?

Jimmy Garoppolo will be playing for the Cleveland Browns or Chicago Bears in 2017. Mark my words.

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