Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com mentions that the Texans attempt to trade for Patriots backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo during the to offseason as a long-term option at quarterback following Brock Osweiler‘s struggles this season.
Breer points out that acquiring Garoppolo, who is still playing out his rookie contract, would mitigate the cap issues that come from Osweiler’s contract. Breer adds that Houston could always use their franchise tag on Garoppolo in 2018 after he plays out the final year of his rookie deal.
Because the Texans guaranteed $37 million of his Osweiler’s upon signing him as a free agent last offseason, it’s unlikely they’re going to be able to move on from him after one year.
However, it’s pretty clear that Osweiler isn’t the long-term solution they envisioned when they signed him away from the Broncos.
It’s worth mentioning that Adam Schefter of ESPN believes the starting point for a potential Garoppolo trade would likely consist of a first- and a fourth-round pick. (NFLTR)
Osweiler, 26, is a former second-round pick of the Broncos back in 2012. He played out his rookie contract before signing a four-year, $72 million contract that includes $37 million guaranteed with the Texans back in March.
The Texans will owe Osweiler base salaries of $16 million, $18 million and $13 million over the remainder of the agreement.
In 2016, Osweiler threw for 2,957 yards while completing 59 percent of his passes to go along with 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions over the course of 15 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 34 quarterback out of 36 qualifying players.
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 the Texans as the news is available.
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