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Patriots Trade Rumors: NE 'Fine' Waiting for Possible Jimmy Garoppolo Release
April 29, 2021
The New England Patriots do not appear willing to meet the San Francisco 49ers' asking price for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal reported he does not believe the Patriots will trade for Garoppolo and would be "fine" to wait for the 49ers to eventually release him.
The 49ers are expected to take their quarterback of the future with the No. 3 overall pick Thursday night. However, they have been steadfast in saying they plan to keep Garoppolo for the 2021 season unless they receive a trade offer they cannot refuse.
Garoppolo played his first three-plus seasons in New England before being traded to San Francisco in October 2017. The 49ers are 22-8 in games started by Garoppolo since his arrival, but he's dealt with significant injuries throughout his tenure. He was limited to three games in 2018 and six last season.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan described Garoppolo as "pissed" but motivated by the team's decision to potentially install a new franchise quarterback. After the team acquired the third pick, the fifth-year head coach told reporters:
"I'm sure Jimmy was a little pissed off from it, just like I would be, too. But me knowing Jimmy, he'll be fired up and come in and work his butt off. Knowing Jimmy, the more mad Jimmy gets, usually the better he gets. So, if Jimmy gets madder and stays healthy, this is going to be a good thing for Jimmy, too, which could be a great problem."
The Patriots are yet to find a long-term solution at quarterback since Tom Brady left via free agency last offseason. They re-signed Cam Newton to a one-year contract in March, but the 2015 NFL MVP is coming off a campaign in which he struggled to fill Brady's shoes.
New England is expected to give consideration to drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 draft, but all five signal-callers who are considered first-round prospects are expected to go before the Patriots select at No. 15.