The New England Patriots may have no real intention of trading backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. But this hasn’t stopped rumors from circulating regarding what it might take for another team to land the in-demand young quarterback.
According to Chris Wesseling of NFL Media, the Patriots are apparently demanding two first-round picks in exchange for the former second-round pick.
Citing "someone somewhat connected to the situation," @MikeGarafolo guesses Pats’ Garoppolo asking price would be 2017 + 2018 1st-rounders.
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) March 7, 2017
That would be a mighty high bounty for a quarterback-needy team to pay for any quarterback. Now add in the fact that Garoppolo has two career starts under his belt, and this is magnified even further.
It was previously reported that New England would not trade Garoppolo this offseason. That was followed up by suggestions that the defending champs would move him for “the right price.”
If two first-round picks is the right price, it’s highly unlikely that the Patriots will end up sending Garoppolo packing.
Then again, there’s a scenario in play here that suggests New England is leaking this information to see who might offer the best bounty for the valuable backup.
Cleveland is said to be willing to part with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to bring him in. Pure conjecture, but that’s an offer the Patriots might have to consider. After all, Garoppolo is set to become a free agent following this upcoming season. Short of placing the franchise tag on a backup with a future Hall of Famer starting, they risk the possibility of losing him for free.
In two starts this past season, Garoppolo completed 68.3 percent of his passes for over 500 yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions. He was a second-round pick of New England back in 2014.
In addition to Cleveland, both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have have been linked to Garoppolo.