New England Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo would entertain idea of contract extension
By Brian Hines
Recently, New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo said he would entertain the idea of signing a contract extension.
Last season, during Tom Brady’s four game suspension, back up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo only was able to suit up for six quarters for the New England Patriots. Those six quarters were special as the young gunslinger tossed for four touchdowns and over 500 yards while completing 68.3 percent of his passes.
Even with just a small sample size, many have already labeled Garoppolo as the next best thing at the quarterback position. All offseason, he was the topic of trade speculation even though ESPN’s Adam Schefter constantly reported the Patriots had no interest in dealing the 25-year-old quarterback.
After this season, Garoppolo is set to hit the free agent market, and could be in for a hefty payday. With Tom Brady quickly approaching his 40’s, is Garoppolo the team’s future quarterback? Should the team think about extending him?
According to Garoppolo, he would “entertain” the thought of an extension, but his focus isn’t there as of now.
"“I’ll entertain any possibility,” Garoppolo told Mike Reiss of ESPN.com. “I’m not really thinking about it too much right now, because there’s so much going on with (organized team activities), and training camp is right around the corner. That’s where my focus is. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, I guess.”"
The base for any deal could be centered around the franchise tag. Using the tag could help keep Garoppolo in New England for an extra season while they continue to monitor the play of Brady.
"“Obviously, I want to play,” Garoppolo said to Reiss. “That’s just the competitor in me. I think everyone out here wants to play. And we come out here and compete every day for that opportunity. If you go out and earn it, it’s yours.”"
No matter what contract is signed, Brady will still stand in front of Garoppolo. Brady is signed to a team friendly contract through 2019, and constantly expresses his interest to play into his mid-40s.
Holding onto a young, promising player like Garoppolo could help transition into the life after Brady, if that ever actually happens. But their may be a point were paying both of them starter money would hinder the rest of the team. Belichick has been known to get rid of players before their play declines, but would he dare part ways with five time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady?
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Brady and Garoppolo also share an agent, Don Yee, to make the matters even more complicated. What works best for Brady definitely will not be best for Garoppolo if the two remain in New England.
"“I love it (here),” Garoppolo said to Reiss. “It’s a very fortunate situation to come into a place and get drafted here. They’re good people all around the building, from support staff to the lunch ladies and everything. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just a good group of people and it rubs off on each other.”"
It is very hard to predict what the future will hold for Garoppolo. Seeing that the Patriots decided against trading him this offseason certainly indicates that they believe in him. However, keeping him with Brady on the team would be extremely difficult.