Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, New England Patriots
Given the putrid level of quarterback play we’ve seen from some guys during this 2017 season, it only reaffirms the need that several teams have at the quarterback position. If the rumors are true about USC quarterback Sam Darnold potentially staying in Southern California and not declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft, that’s going to make many teams look in other directions for an answer at quarterback. And that’s when you’re really going to hear Jimmy Garoppolo’s name come up in trade discussions. New England just isn’t in a position where they can afford to pay Garoppolo — who will be a free agent after this year — the money a starting quarterback would make, and keep him as a backup until Tom Brady decides to call it quits. Some team will pony up the trade assets New England is looking for (reportedly a first and third round pick) to acquire Garoppolo.
UPDATE: Jimmy Garoppolo was traded to the 49ers in exchange for San Francisco’s 2018 second-round pick. The package appears to be less than the original asking price, but with Garoppolo set to be a free agent (and in line for a BIG payday), the Pats didn’t have much leverage at this point.