Jimmy Garoppolo and the Patriots: What Are the Chances of a Return?

With Jimmy Garoppolo becoming a free agent, there has been much speculation about his future in the football world, particularly with regards to his potential return to the New England Patriots.

High Expectations for a Contract Extension

Many believe that Garoppolo has a very good chance of re-signing with the San Francisco 49ers, given his impressive performance and value to the team. His career passer rating and playoff experience make him highly attractive to numerous potential suitors. It's no surprise that teams would be eager to pursue such a talented quarterback.

The 49ers’ Commitment and Financial Realities

When the 49ers traded for Garoppolo in 2017, they made a significant investment, utilizing a second-round draft pick and the residual contract value of their top draft pick. The initial plan was to evaluate his performance and decide on a long-term contract. However, Garoppolo has far exceeded expectations, leading the team to a series of victories, including playoff games. Consequently, both the team and the quarterback’s representatives are likely to negotiate for a long-term contract that reflects his value.

No Immediate Return to the Patriots

On the other hand, the chances of Garoppolo returning to the New England Patriots are practically nonexistent. The Patriots reasons for trading him are rooted in financial restraints. Despite Garoppolo's valuable contributions, his contract demands would be far too high for the Patriots to accommodate, especially when they have an MVP-level quarterback in Tom Brady. Moreover, if Garoppolo does not sign a long-term deal with the 49ers, they are likely to use the franchise tag, which would pay him nearly $24 million for the upcoming season.

Garoppolo’s Career Moving Forward

Garoppolo has proven himself as a capable starter and desires to be the quarterback on the field. As mentioned, as long as Tom Brady is in the picture, Garoppolo will not be the starting quarterback. The Patriots have made their position clear with the trade, indicating that Brady is the future of the franchise. Given that Garoppolo wants to start, it makes sense that he would seek a team that values him as a starter rather than serving as a backup.

Other Potential Destinations

Even if the 49ers don’t franchise tag Garoppolo, there are several other teams that are looking to bolster their quarterback positions for the upcoming season. Potential destinations include Denver, Arizona, Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Washington. These teams, as well as others, recognize the value of having a solid starting quarterback and would be prime candidates to sign Garoppolo.

Conclusion

Overall, the likelihood of Jimmy Garoppolo re-signing with the Patriots is virtually zero. While there are multiple factors at play, it's highly unlikely that even if the 49ers don't use the franchise tag, he would sign with the Patriots for a backup role. New England has made it clear that they have Brady as their future, and with numerous teams seeking a quarterback, Garoppolo's future is more likely to be with a team that values him as a starter.