New England Patriots Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo's Value Could Be Windfall

By Edward Leano, Christian Post Contributor Friday, February 17, 2017

Welcome to the National Football League (NFL) offseason, also known as trade rumor season. Trade gossip will be lively this year, especially around Superbowl 2017 victor New England Patriots which must now weigh their options on Jimmy Garoppolo's (backup quarterback) expiring rookie contract. What should New England do with Garoppolo?

Patriot star quarterback Tom Brady could be in early talks with his team about a new contract, Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reports. Although no expectations are raised for now, both parties have expressed mutual interest.

Yardbreaker brings up Brady's interview with Peter King in which the legendary quarterback affirms that he still wants to play beyond the 2017 season. "I'd like to play until my mid-forties," Brady tells King. "I know next year is not going to be my last year," he adds.

With their starter quarterback showing no sign of decline whatsoever, the New England Patriots are now presented an opportunity with Garoppolo. A second-round draft pick back in 2014, Garoppolo has proven to be a reliable replacement for Brady. Although his NFL sheet is a bit sparse with 67 passes, two starts and five touchdowns, the 25-year-old is still an attractive prospect for this year's light quarterback draft.

After his short but impressive showing in Brady's absence, a lot of teams in dire need of a caller will be asking about his availability. Colin Cowherd, as NESN reports, believes that Brady's understudy carries "a ton" of value right now.

Cowherd goes so far as to say Garoppolo is worth a couple of first-round picks, especially for quarterback-starved San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns, to name a few teams heard in the trade rumors. Cowherd thinks that Cleveland is a likely destination.

Cowherd goes on about the Browns head coach: "If I was Hue Jackson, I would say 'Take my first and my 12th pick,'" Cowherd said. "I have no problem doing that! ... You drafted four wide receivers last year, you wouldn't give up a first and a 12th?" he continued.

It may be unlikely that the Browns will give up a number one overall pick, but that will be no issue for the Patriots. Right now the Superbowl champs have all the leverage in this year's quarterback-thin trade market.