The New England Patriots are determined to hang on onto Tom Brady. In a surprising move, the Patriots sent backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for 2018 second round draft pick. The trade was made official on Tuesday and confirmed on the 49ers official Twitter profile.
It's official! Welcome to the family @JimmyG_10 🙌https://t.co/mU1mDBflhW pic.twitter.com/CSTmPqIvWc
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 31, 2017
“We are thrilled for Jimmy to join the 49ers family,” – said 49ers GM John Lynch. “Jimmy is a player we have researched extensively since Kyle and I joined the 49ers. I am extremely pleased this came together today and we all think it is a big win for our organization. Albeit in limited game action, Jimmy has displayed the characteristics and traits that we believe are vital to being a successful quarterback in this league. He has had the rare opportunity to sit and learn from a future Hall of Fame quarterback in a championship atmosphere. We look forward to Jimmy joining the team tomorrow and hitting the ground running.“
Garoppolo will become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and it is expected that the 49ers will sign him to a long-term deal and make him a franchise player. They are expected to part ways with the veteran QB Brian Hoyer. The 49ers’ next game is against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, but the team won’t start Garoppolo right away and will give a chance to the rookie C.J. Beathard.
On the other hand, the Patriots are now without a proper backup QB for Tom Brady. Before trading Jimmy Garoppolo, they have also parted ways with Jacoby Brissett in September, sending him to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for receiver Phillip Dorsett.
Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t manage to get a significant time in the NFL with the Patriots, starting only 2 games at the beginning of 2016 season. In those two games, he showed promise, having 42 successful passes out of 59, accompanied by four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
