Patriots Reportedly Holding Out For First-Round Pick In Trade For Jimmy Garoppolo

Mike Freeman of B/R confirms that the Patriots are open to trading backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo as other reports have said. However, his sources have said that New England continues to ask for a first-round pick in return for Garoppolo.

Freeman’s source explained that the Patriots are willing to be patient in regards to moving Garoppolo and wait until someone either offers them the first-round pick they’re reportedly seeking or a package of picks that they deem to be suitable.

Freeman adds that the Patriots believe Tom Brady has “several” more years left in him and don’t feel any pressure to trade Garoppolo right now.

Last weekend, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that the Patriots will listen to trade offers for Garoppolo but there’s no guarantee he’ll be traded to the top bidder.

“The Patriots are open to trading Jimmy Garoppolo and they are going to listen to all offers, as they have over the last couple years for Garoppolo — and they have gotten a couple inquiries,” Rapoport said. “But from what I am being told there are several complicating factors: First of all, the price tag, expected to be at least a first-round pick — just based off the quarterback market. Will anyone give them that? Second of all, are the Patriots really comfortable going forward with Jacoby Brissett as their backup quarterback in case Tom Brady gets hurt? That might be the biggest question of all.”

Adam Schefter of ESPN (NFLTR) previously mentioned that the starting point for a potential Garoppolo trade would likely consist of a first- and a fourth-round pick, which is what the Eagles got for Sam Bradford from the Vikings at the start of the season.

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.