New England Patriots Roster Recap: Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo, age 25
Patriot fans all over bit at their fingernails and inched to the ends of their seats waiting to see if Jimmy Garoppolo would be dealt during the 2017 draft. After months of prognosticating, a trade never met the surface.
New England selected Garoppolo with the 62nd pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, an investment that has since paid off well for the Patriots. Garoppolo started the 2016 season for the Patriots while Tom Brady served his four-game deflategate suspension. In his two starts, Jimmy G posted four touchdowns, 496 yards, and zero interceptions. Midway through New England’s Week 2 duel versus the Miami Dolphins, Garoppolo left the game with a shoulder injury.
Throughout the 2017 offseason, interest in Garoppolo from other teams has been high. During the draft, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that the Cleveland Browns “once again” inquired with New England about a trade for the quarterback:
Browns inquired last night about trading for Patriots' QB Jimmy Garappolo and were told, once again, NE not interested, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2017
Garoppolo is set to hit the open market next March, however, a blend of Brady’s age and Jimmy’s play could persuade the Patriots to keep him around. New England has the option to franchise tag the quarterback, although the price may be too high.
Like previous years, Garoppolo will man the sideline awaiting what his future holds. For New England, they know they have insurance in case tragedy strikes.