Patriots: Ranking the likelihood of NE landing these QBs for 2021 season

1. Jimmy Garoppolo

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been widely linked with a return to Foxborough.

There’s growing speculation among league insiders that Jimmy Garoppolo will end up as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2021, and you know what? We tend to agree. In a vacuum, bringing the 49ers star back makes perfect sense as he’s familiar with the playbook, coaching staff, and some players who were there when he last played for the team five years ago.

It remains to be seen if San Francisco is sold on Garoppolo as their long-term starter, and that uncertainty has many analysts convinced that he could be released for dirt cheap. His current contract accounts for just $2.8 million in dead cap next year compared to the $28 million in dead money this season, meaning he could be axed for what amounts to pocket change.

This would put the Patriots in a position to acquire Garoppolo without giving up any assets. If that turns out to be the case, we don’t see how they pass on the opportunity. His injury history is definitely a cause for concern, but even his biggest cynics would be hard-pressed to deny that he has the best chance of the other quarterbacks listed to be the Patriots’ QB come training camp.

Patriots: 8 Potential first-round picks who don’t play quarterback

We're taking a look at potential first-round draft picks for the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft who don't play quarterback.