Niners reportedly have no plans to trade Jimmy Garoppolo after blockbuster trade with Dolphins
The Niners swung a big trade with the Dolphins to trade up to No. 3 in the 2021 NFL Draft, but they have no plans to trade Jimmy Garoppolo – for now.
Oct 25, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) talks with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft before a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Brian Fluharty-USA TODAYThe San Francisco 49ers just announced to the football world that they're going quarterback at the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. So that means the Niners are going to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, right?
Not so fast, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Shortly after reporting San Fran's blockbuster deal with the Miami Dolphins to move up to the third pick in the draft, Schefter added: "49ers now square in the QB mix [in the draft], but are holding on to Jimmy Garoppolo and have no plans to trade him, per sources." He later continued: "49ers' source today: 'Jimmy is here to stay. He's our guy this year.'"
But of course, this is what the folks call The Lying Season™. And this wouldn't be the first time that Schefter said repeatedly and firmly that Garoppolo wasn't being traded, only for the rug to be pulled out at the last minute. Schefter insisted the Patriots were not trading Garoppolo throughout the 2017 season until the trade deadline, when the Patriots shipped Garoppolo to San Francisco for a second-round pick. So it's quite possible that the initial report is just posturing to make sure teams send competitive offers their way, or that minds could be changed between Friday and the start of the 2021 season.
If the Niners trade Garoppolo, the Patriots would certainly be considered among the favorites. "Jimmy G" is a logical choice to come back to New England, where the quarterback situation lacks upside and long-term clarity. As it stands on Friday, Garoppolo is the best option for Bill Belichick to land a quarterback he knows would work in their offense and have the potential to start beyond 2021.
Let's say the Patriots do end up acquiring Garoppolo after Friday's trades. They may still be in the mix for a quarterback in the 2021 draft, just on day 2 instead of day 1. Scroll down for the best QB options in that next tier.
MORE: Patriots Still 'Sniffing Out' QB Trade?
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
