The rumored trade involving the New England Patriots for Jimmy Garoppolo makes no real sense for a rebuilding football team.
What? Why not?
Before answered it is necessary to precede this declaration with a clear statement of fact that I was one of the biggest fans of Jimmy G. in 2014 both before and after he was drafted by the New England Patriots. Having watched his performances in the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, it was hard to be anything but.
That he was drafted by the Patriots was surprising, to say the least since players I have looked to be drafted by the home squad almost never materialize.
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Yet, the shock of that factor, notwithstanding, this author still viewed the pick with ambivalence. On one hand, it was crystal clear that this was a small college player who could not only stand up with the big boys but could excel. There was little question of that here.
Conversely, however, while I liked the player, a lot, I did not like the pick. That contradiction existed because at the time it was perfectly clear that the Patriots desperately need another tight end with injury issues of their All-Universe tight end Rob Gronkowski occurring early and often.
In addition, there was that small factor that the Patriots seemed to have a perfectly capable quarterback who wore the No. 12 (and that number should be put away for good now) at the time. therefore, the use of a second-round pick on a sleeper quarterback of sorts who had great potential was just not a priority at the time. Turned out that No. 12 continued to play at a high level and as far as can be observed, still is. There were just more pressing needs.
Three reasons why the New England Patriots shouldn’t trade for Jimmy G.
Now, back to the present, there are three top reasons why this trade makes little or no sense.
No. 1: The New England Patriots have Cam Newton
This is not the place to belabor that point, it’s been handled at length previously in an article(s). Cam Newton is a solid option for 2021 and now having someone to throw to will hopefully bring considerably better results (A 10-6 season or better is not out of the realm of possibility.). And again, it is instructive to contemplate one fact.
The coach whom most fans in New England recognize as the GOAT of all coaches has recognized that fact by not only going deep for four new high-priced skill players but has also brought back the much-maligned (though not here) Cam Newton.
Bill Belichick clearly intends to set the record straight by giving Cam someone to throw to who may actually get open and catch the ball.
No. 2: Jimmy Garoppolo is oft-injured and is approaching 30 years old
Jimmy Garoppolo is a very good quarterback, showing flashes of brilliance in New England even before his trade to the 49ers. Then, he made that perfectly clear by leading San Francisco to a Super Bowl though in a losing effort.
The issue with Jimmy is not his performances on the field but his ability to stay on it that is the salient factor. In his three years as the presumptive starter in San Francisco, he has only played in 25 of a total of 48 games.
That’s a history of too many games on the sidelines. And one can think back to the Tom Brady suspension year of 2016 where he started on absolute fire but was injured in his second game starting.
Jimmy will be 30 years old this November. Jimmy is certainly not old even by football standards for a quarterback. Yet, his injury history, even though he is very well-liked here in New England, having pretty much done all he was asked to do while a Patriot, says stay away and move forward in another direction.
No. 3: The New England Patriots need to draft the quarterback of the future this year
As a previous article pointed out in great detail, the suggestion here and the logical extension of the Cam Newton signing for only one year is to move up high in the 2021 draft and get the quarterback the team feels is the man of the future, whatever the cost in picks or players. The rationale is clear.
This team needs a standard-bearer going forward to lead the team into its next generation of success. And, they have the perfect person to provide an example to the young player for a year or two.
Cam Newton will teach the young player how to conduct himself, not only as a professional football player, team leader, and all-for-the-team player but as one who lays it all on the line every game for his team. He will also teach him by example how to act as a person, as well. That young quarterback could have no one better from whom to learn to be a true professional and great person than Cam Newton.
While the lure of re-acquiring Jimmy Garoppolo is certainly enticing, and while Jimmy G. as he is affectionately known in New England is a favorite of many of us, it’s just not the right decision at this point in Patriots history. It would be a step back into the past rather than a leap forward into the future.
It’s time for New England to cut ties with the past and begin to build a new dynamic that leads back to the playoffs and to another Super Bowl title at some point.
GM Bill Belichick has seen this reality as is evidenced in his free agency moves. Hopefully, he will move up aggressively if necessary to draft that top young quarterback in late April. It’s the best step for advancing the team forward. It’s simply the right thing to do.