49ers Trading 2018 2nd-Rd Pick For Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Adam Schefter is reporting that the 49ers are trading a 2018 2nd-round pick to the Patriots in return for backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

• Schefter clarifies that the 49ers are trading their second-round pick and not the other second rounder they own, which means this will be a very high pick in round two for New England.
• The parties reportedly began discussing a trade for Garoppolo Monday morning and were able to reach a deal by this evening.
• Ian Rapoport reports that the Browns were offering the Patriots a second-round pick and “change” in return for Garoppolo during the draft, but New England waited to take this deal.

This is a stunner.

The Patriots resisted trading Garoppolo all offseason, even though there was talk that teams could be offering as much as a first-round pick or more to get him. Some even thought New England could possibly franchise him after this season, as they didn’t want to lose him as a long-term quarterback prospect.

However, it appears they’re ready to move forward with Tom Brady as their starting quarterback while he plays into his forties.

Even more interesting is the fact that the 49ers were expected to be among the top suitors for Kirk Cousins in free agency next year, but they now have a long-term solution at the position.

Garoppolo, 25, is a former second-round pick of the Patriots back in 2014. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $3,483,898 rookie contract and stands to make a base salary of $820,077 to go along with a $75,000 workout bonus for the 2017 season.

Garoppolo is in line to be an unrestricted free agent next year.

In 2016, Garoppolo 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 have him featured in our Top 25 – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.