Who is Tom Brady’s backup?

Now that Tom Brady is most likely missing the first four games of the 2016 NFL season, who is his backup?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s petition for a rehearing of the reinstatement of his four-game suspension due to his role in Deflategate was recently denied by the Court of Appeals. It is not likely that he would get his case heard by the Supreme Court, meaning that it can be assumed that Brady will miss the first four games of the 2016 NFL season.

His backup is third-year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo is highly thought of by the Patriots because he was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Being Brady’s backup is a very easy job, so Garoppolo hasn’t gotten much playing time. For his career, he has completed 20 of 31 passes for 188 passing yards with one touchdown.

Brady’s suspension likely kicks him down a few notches in quarterback rankings for fantasy football. That said, he should still be a strong target. Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and is worth drafting in early rounds. You could find a quarterback who has an easy first four weeks and pair him with Brady. Make sure that whoever you pair with Brady doesn’t have a week nine bye week because that’s when the Patriots have off.

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