For the first time in his NFL career, Jimmy Garoppolo will call a team other than the New England Patriots home, as he was traded to San Francisco.
The NFL trade deadline gave us some big moves in 2017, and none was bigger than the deal made between the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers. The Pats traded away longtime Tom Brady backup Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers for a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, giving Jimmy G the opportunity to finally be a starting quarterback. Many believed the 49ers would trade for Kirk Cousins this offseason, but they now appear set at the quarterback position for the long run.
Staying with trades, the Philadelphia Eagles made a move that showed they are serious about winning a title this season. The Birds traded a fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for running back Jay Ajayi, who has struggled with production for the Dolphins this season. Ajayi will now team with LeGarrette Blount and Wendell Smallwood in a running background that just became a strength for the team with this move.
The Dolphins might have lost Ajayi, but they won’t lose any time from Kiko Alonso, who will not be suspended by the NFL. Alonso had a controversial hit on Joe Flacco during the Dolphins blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, and many expected a suspension. The hit knocked Flacco out of the game, but he won’t be out long, as the team expects him to be ready to go against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.
The Denver Broncos officially have a quarterback controversy on their hands, and it is not clear which direction they will go in. Trevor Siemian has been the clear starter this season for the Broncos, but he looked really bad in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. Denver did spend a 2016 first round pick on Paxton Lynch, and if he is ready to go, he may get the nod against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Next: Chiefs dispose of division rival Broncos on MNF
The Martavis Bryant saga will stay in Pittsburgh, at least for the remainder of the year. The Steelers had calls for Bryant during the hours leading up to Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but he was not made available. Bryant was benched during the team’s victory on Sunday night, as he showed frustration to the media about his role in the offense. In his place, JuJu Smith-Schuster has become the clear No. 2 behind Antonio Brown in the passing game.