Patriots: Why Jimmy Garoppolo is worst of three QB options
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots are back in the Jimmy Garoppolo sweepstakes, even if his performance last year suggests that Bill Belichick choosing his former second-round pick over Cam Newton and Mac Jones might be a mistake.
The 49ers traded up from the 12th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft all the way up to the No. 3 selection, meaning they are in prime position to select a quarterback like Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, or Trey Lance.
That would mean that, despite the fact he took them to a Super Bowl, Garoppolo might be on his way out.
Tough gig.
Despite a turbulent season that saw him benched for Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard, there is some reason to believe that Garoppolo might be able to return to the form he showcased during his first year in San Francisco.
However, given the hype surrounding Jones and the potential for a bounce-back year from Newton, those two might be better options than surrendering a ton of draft capital to get an expensive quarterback like Jimmy G.
49ers now square in the QB mix, but are holding on to Jimmy Garoppolo and have no plans to trade him, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2021
Why Cam Newton is a better option than Jimmy Garoppolo for the Patriots
Newton’s raw passing numbers were awful last year, but those numbers came on a team with arguably the worst offensive personnel in the league. Not only does Newton have a higher ceiling and a much cheaper contract, but the signings of Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith should help him cut down on the turnovers.
Despite playing with above-average personnel around him in an offense designed by Kyle Shanahan, which is generally considered so idiot-proof that even Johnny Manziel can at least look somewhat competent in it, Garoppolo has averaged over a turnover per game. Is this the guy you want to trade for?
Why Mac Jones is a better option for the Patriots
Jones has some questions about his athletic ability and the complexities of his offense from college, but he can sling it at a very efficient clip, and that ability to accurately deliver the ball to all fields could help Belichick find his quarterback of the future.
Garoppolo is going to turn 30 this season, and only once has he started more than six games in a season. Simply put, he’s a huge risk. Jones will be risky as well, but he could at least sit behind Newton this year and burst onto the scene in Year 2 while Garoppolo’s effectiveness should dwindle from there.
Kyle Shanahan couldn’t make Garoppolo into an All-Pro, so why should New England think they have the secret remedy for success? Either Newton or Jones should be taking snaps during Week 1, as Garoppolo is too volatile a move to make.
