The San Francisco 49ers are asking for a first-round pick in exchange for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to NFL Network’s Michael Giardi. That is a high asking price for the 29-year-old, who is set to make $50.6 million over the next two seasons.
The Patriots are exploring their options at quarterback, which includes inquiring about Garoppolo, per Giardi. But Giardi noted that the 49ers’ asking price was probably too rich for New England.
The 49ers are fresh off trading up from 12th overall to third overall in the 2021 NFL draft. They gave up two future first-round picks and the 12th overall selection to get to No, 3, where they will almost certainly take a quarterback. That’s what has made Garoppolo seemingly expendable.
Overturning every rock at QB. #Patriots @nflnetwork @AroundTheNFL pic.twitter.com/5zFPHDYhC7
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 2, 2021
Even with the aggressive move up the draft board, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan suggested he wants to retain Garoppolo to serve as a bridge quarterback while the team develops a quarterback.
New England, meanwhile, re-signed Cam Newton on a one-year deal for 2021 after he underwhelmed as the starter in 2020. The Patriots may add to their stable of quarterbacks, but it sounds like New England will look to the NFL draft to add a quarterback if the 49ers’ asking price for Garoppolo continues to be too high.
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