NFL Rumors: Patriots want Jimmy Garoppolo for long-term
Tom Brady is nearing the end of his career, one way or another, so the Patriots may just keep Jimmy Garoppolo around.
Tom Brady has shown no signs of slowing down as he approaches 40, but even with three years left on his contract the end of his career is near. Jimmy Garoppolo has waited his turn since being drafted in the second round in 2014, and he made the first two starts of his career during Brady’s “Deflategate” suspension last season.
A shoulder injury in that second start sidelined Garoppolo for a time and adds more questions about a limited sample of play. But due in part to what’s considered a weak crop of quarterbacks in this year’s draft, he has been the subject of trade rumors.
The Cleveland Browns, with the No.1 and No. 12 overall picks in April’s draft, have been the team most tied to trying to acquire Garoppolo. Reports about the Patriots’ asking price, their willingness to even trade Garoppolo and Cleveland’s effort to make a deal have been prevalent. But there may be a new sign the Patriots have plans for Garoppolo.
According to Pro Football Talk, there’s a “persistent belief within league circles” that the Patriots want to keep Garoppolo. Entering the final year of his rookie contact is an added layer to the situation, and leaves New England vulnerable to losing him for nothing next offseason.
It’s worth noting that Brady and Garoppolo share an agent. So whatever Brady’s career plan is, it may be, or eventually will be, known to Garoppolo through that channel. Another Super Bowl win next year may compel Brady to call it quits, with or without pressure from his wife. That would open the door for Garoppolo to take over in 2018, with a new contract befitting his status as the starter in New England.
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The rumors of the Patriots being hesitant to trade Garoppolo have been regarded as a ploy to raise the return in an eventual trade. While that would not be surprising, the emerging idea of wanting to keep Garoppolo and help ensure a seamless transition from Brady makes sense too. Either way, no one will question the decision Bill Belichick makes.