Would A Garoppolo Trade Be Worth The Risk?
After news broke Monday morning about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signing an two year extension, there is excitement from Patriots fans. But one person who may not be so pleased about the news.
Jimmy Garoppolo.
The third-year back up for Brady will have to wait much longer to possibly be a starter for the Patriots (granted Brady does not sustain any injuries). Although it’s a great opportunity to sit behind Hall of Fame QBs such as Brady or Peyton Manning, they never truly get an opportunity to prove their worth until they leave or are traded away.
With a lot of teams in desperate need of a QB like the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, or San Fransisco 49ers, they may be willing to negotiate a deal with the Patriots.
It is a risky move. Very risky. Brady is going on 39 this season, and hopes to play until he is at least 44, but there is a chance that Brady may not play out his full contract. Right around now, father time should be taking it’s toll, and the drop off in production usually happens.
4 Ways Tom Brady Could Play Until He is 44
However, Brady looks the exact same as he did 8 seasons ago. Coming off what was an MVP caliber season that was derailed to injuries on offense, he continues to look youthful and seems to be getting better.
In taking an extension, it frees up some space in the cap that the Patriots can use towards other players (players needing a new contract, free agents, rookies).
Possible Options On the Patriots’ Big Three
That being said, should the Patriots explore their options in trading away their second-round pick back up quarterback?
Granted Brady plays through his contract and retires, Garoppolo wouldn’t start for the team until he is at least 27 years old. If the team decide to trade him away, they can look to the draft for a younger quarterback to relieve Brady of his duties.
At most, New England could look for a second-round draft pick or a bunch of mid-round picks in exchange for the young QB. During preseason games, Garoppolo has shown his skills in not only making plays with his arm, but with his legs as well. With a new breed of athletic quarterbacks entering the league, teams may look at his ability in the pocket and outside the pocket as an great asset and could make him an intriguing player to pursue.
If the Patriots want to trade away Garoppolo, it would be best to wait until the end of the 2016 season and determine whether or not Brady will be 100% capable of playing at least two or three more seasons.
Whether it is taken into consideration is up to how the organization views how much Brady’s age and performance will effect the team in the future, but after signing an extension, it seems they think he still has some gas in the tank and some critics to quiet.