It's silly season and the annual "Trade Unproven Patriots Back-Up Quarterback for Real Assets" story is in full swing.
Ever since the Patriots fleeced the Chiefs with Matt Cassel, the notion of trading Tom Brady's back-up for a first or second round pick has been the second favorite storyline on an annual basis as we move closer to draft season (the first, of course, is predicting that the Patriots trade for a premier wide receiver that wants a shot at a ring).
And when Bill O'Brien, former Patriots offensive coordinator and current Texans head coach, runs through former Brady back-ups in Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett last season, Houston is the perfect candidate to be in the weekly discussion for acquiring current back-up Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Texans have the 22nd overall pick in the first round and they need a quarterback. The owner has specifically stated that the team wants to leave the draft with a top prospect, and there's no real shot at either Carson Wentz (projected to the Browns) or Jared Goff (projected to the 49ers).
So why not trade with the Patriots for Garoppolo?
The starting price for negotiations is expected to be a first round pick, according to Yahoo! Sports' Charles Robinson, which doesn't necessarily mean a 2016 1st rounder- maybe the Patriots trade Jimmy for a 2017 1st so they can double dip in that draft.
The Texans are also expected to pursue Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler, which is great news for the Patriots since it will drive up the market price for a rival, and Robert Griffin III is also on the table.
I really don't think the Patriots are going to be trading Garoppolo this season, but it's nice to know that the team will at least be listening to offers- even if Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio crack up and laugh on the other line.