The New England Patriots are coming off their worst season in two decades. It’s clear that they struggled to get by without multiple starters opting out and Tom Bradyleaving to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That’s why some people speculated that Bill Belichick would try and bring Jimmy Garoppolo back, as the 29-year-old wasn’t exactly thriving with the San Francisco 49ers and was a trade candidate throughout the season.
Now, however, it seems like there will be no reunion in Foxborough, as even though the 49ers traded up on the NFL Draft to get a new quarterback, they still have no plans of trading away Garoppolo right now.
ESPN: The New England Patriots Won’t Trade For Jimmy Garoppolo
“#Patriots are not pursuing #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per sources. Cap space isn’t there and obviously Cam Newton will return. Additionally, the draft is flush with QBs. No Jimmy GQ reunion for the Pats in foreseeable future,” Jordan Schultz reported.
“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 added.
The Patriots also signed Cam Newton to a 1-year, $14 million deal, meaning that he’ll stay under center for at least one more season. Also, both teams are expected to draft a new quarterback in this stacked draft class.
New England recently made a huge splash in the free-agent market and surrounded Newton with multiple weapons. Now, he’ll have the last chance to prove that he’s still got what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
As for Garoppolo, he’s been somewhat effective for the Super Bowl-hopeful 49ers but he’s struggled when it matters the most, and his proneness to get hurt has also raised serious questions regarding his future in the league.