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Patriots gridiron news: Jimmy Garoppolo was Belichick’s QB of the future

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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Following the stunning trade that sent backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick discussed the deal.

It’s clear, Bill Belichick did not want to trade Jimmy Garoppolo.  Following the shocking trade that sent the backup quarterback to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2018 second round pick, the New England Patriots head coach opened up about the deal.

In an unusual conference call Tuesday, Belichick praised the Eastern Illinois alum, and offered words that make it appear that the trade was not something he wanted to do, but had to do.  One of the things that he said was how he met with Garoppolo on a weekly basis.

"“First of all, I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jimmy [Garoppolo],” Belichick said to begin the call.  “I couldn’t ask for him to give us any more than he’s given us.  The 49ers are getting a good player, and they’re getting a good person, and they’re getting a great teammate and they’re getting a good quarterback.  Jimmy is getting a good coach.  His career is moving forward.  He’s a talented individual, was a great person to coach.  I met with him weekly and, again, have a tremendous amount of respect for him.”"

Related Story: Jimmy Garoppolo eagerly awaiting his chance to start

Sounds like quite a bit of praise for a player who was just going to be a backup for the next couple years.  With an expiring contract, Belichick mentioning that this was a decision that was “looming for the last couple of years,” indicates that the team knew they eventually had to make a decision between Garoppolo and Tom Brady.

FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Jimmy Garoppolo
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 22: Jimmy Garoppolo /

With the way the 40-year-old quarterback continues to play, the obvious choice became Brady.  But, are the New England Patriots essentially trading the next 10 years of their future for a couple more good years from Brady?

Only time will tell.

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As of right now, the defending Super Bowl champs have no backup quarterback.  They have no quarterback of the future because they felt they had that in Garoppolo.  Now, the challenge is finding the next Jimmy Garoppolo to essentially become the next Tom Brady…if that is even possible.

Garoppolo ‘excited’ for opportunity in San Francisco 

Not often does a player get excited about going from a Super Bowl contender to a winless team, but Jimmy Garoppolo is ready to take command of a football team.  That opportunity wasn’t happening anytime soon in New England.

Speaking to the San Francisco media for the first time since the trade, Garoppolo expressed that excitement.

"“When I first found out, I can’t even describe how excited I was,” Garoppolo said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “…[My] time in New England was great and I thank them for everything.”"

Next: New England Patriots: Bill Belichick’s Top 10 Trades

During his tenure in New England, Garoppolo started just two games, but in those two games showed he was more than capable of running an offense.  Furthermore, it showed he was ready for the spotlight.

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