New England Patriots trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo to 49ers
The New England Patriots have traded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Fransisco 49ers in exchange for a 2018 2nd round NFL Draft pick.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s time with the New England Patriots has come to an end as the team traded him to San Fransisco on Monday night. With the NFL Trade Deadline at 4 PM on Tuesday, this could be the start of an even bigger move.
The Patriots will receive a 2018 2nd round NFL Draft pick from the 49ers for Garoppolo, and that pick is expected to be either #33 or #34 overall. That’s either the first or second pick in the 2nd round of the upcoming draft, and that is a piece that could be included in another deal. And before we go too far, Garoppolo was set to become a free agent after this season, so this move makes a lot of sense.
Adam Schefter initially broke the news of the trade on Twitter.
Major QB shakeup: 49ers trading 2018 2nd-round draft pick to New England for Patriots’ QB Jimmy Garoppolo, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2017
Over parts of four seasons in New England, Jimmy G appeared in 17 total games. His first 11 starts came in garbage time in relief of Tom Brady, but in 2016 he got 2 starts before an injury sidelined him during Brady’s suspension. In all, Garoppolo threw 5 touchdowns and no interceptions for the Patriots. He also already has two Super Bowl rings, though he can’t truly claim the first one. He played well last season though, so give Garoppolo credit for helping to get New England into Super Bowl LI.
Backing up Brady
With this trade, Tom Brady is now the only quarterback on the New England Patriots roster. Jacoby Brissett was traded to the Colts before the season began. The team will now have to find a new backup. Thankfully, the 49ers released QB Brian Hoyer after they traded for Garoppolo. He’s an extremely logical fit as the next Patriots backup. Hoyer was Brady’s backup from 2009-2011. This season he was 0-6 for San Fran with 4 TDs and 4 INTs. Beyond Hoyer, the Patriots could look to sign a free agent like Colin Kaepernick, RGIII, Ryan Lindley, or Luke McCown. Hoyer is the best option here.
So the 49ers are releasing veteran QB Brian Hoyer...and New England now needs a backup QB. That would seem to be a logical match, no?
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2017
The next move
Honestly, I think the Patriots are going to move this pick in another deal before the 4 PM deadline. New England has been in the mix for the rights to retired wide receiver Calvin Johnson from the Detroit Lions, and this pick could get the deal done. They could also be in the conversation to acquire active players like WR T.Y. Hilton from the Colts or DE Ziggy Ansah from the Lions. Maybe the Patriots can acquire both Johnson and Ansah for this S49ers 2nd round pick and another, possibly a 3rd rounder. There are still a lot of options here.
Next: Patriots may trade a RB before the deadline
If the Patriots choose to hold on to the pick, it will be fun to watch them pick #32 after winning the Super Bowl and at #33 or #34. They’d be able to draft a really talented player, who may or may not have 1st round skill. I trust New England to make the right choice. For now, though, keep your eyes and ears open for more Patriots news before the trade deadline.