Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, citing sources with knowledge of the situation, reports that the Bears will make a “strong, concerted effort” to trade for Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo this offseason.
La Canfora goes as far to say that acquiring Garoppolo is “far and away” the Bears’ top priority.
NFL teams reportedly Garoppolo as the best option of all the free agent or trade options this offseason, which means the Bears will likely have competition for him from teams like the Browns, Jets and 49ers.
However, La Canfora says that the Bears are “intent and willingness to complete a trade could not be more serious.”
It shouldn’t come as a big surprise to hear that the Bears are likely to be in the market for a new quarterback, considering that they’re widely expected to finally move on from Jay Cutler this offseason.
The asking price for Garoppolo will interesting, considering that some have said he could command at least a package that consists of first- and fourth-round picks. Although, rival executives have told La Canfora that they do not believe the Patriots will land a first-round pick that high via trade and instead mentioned that a deal with multiple high second-round picks is more likely.
La Canfora adds that Chicago has done “extensive work” on Garoppolo and are very comfortable with him as a starting quarterback. The expectation, according to La Canfora, is that the Bears are prepared to engage in trade talks regarding Garoppolo at the combine later this month, or sooner if need be.
Garoppolo, 25, is a former second-round pick of the Patriots back in 2014. He’s currently in the third year of his four-year, $3,483,898 rookie contract and stands to make a base salary of $686,718 for the 2016 season.
Next year, Garoppolo has a base salary of $820,077 to go along with a $75,000 workout bonus.
In 2016, Garoppolo has completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 502 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions for the Patriots over the course of six games.
We’ll have more regarding a potential Garoppolo trade as the news is available.
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