Everyone expected the New England Patriots to trade back-up QB Jimmy Garoppolo to one of the many quarterback-hungry teams this offseason. Instead, it looks like the Patriots intend to have Garoppolo play out the remainder of his rookie contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In a move that will have a ripple effect on all QB-needy teams, Patriots are not expected to trade QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2017
The Patriots intention to retain Garoppolo is extremely interesting and it could still be a leak to increase the team’s leverage. The Patriots are looking for a first round pick in exchange for Garoppolo and this declaration implies that no team is willing to match that price.
Garoppolo was considered the top quarterback on the market after Washington used the exclusive rights franchise tag on Kirk Cousins. Other quarterbacks include free agent QB Mike Glennon, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, and Cincinnati Bengals QB A.J. McCarron. Garoppolo is considered to have the most upside out of the remaining four players, with Romo’s health a major question mark.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears are all looking for franchise quarterbacks, but they have been unwilling to match the Patriots price tag to acquire Garoppolo. I don’t believe the Patriots would hang up the phone if any of those teams called and offered their first round pick.
Let’s just say that it isn’t a coincidence that this report has leaked just as all NFL executives are gathered in the same location to watch the NFL Combine.
We will continue to monitor this story and update this thread.