Garoppolo-Gate: Will Jimmy G be Traded This Offseason?

Here we are, faced with another NFL offseason. The New England Patriots have once again been crowned world champions and with no allegations of cheating yet to come to the surface, we’re going to have to stir up some drama so as to not forget about football while pitchers and catchers get ready to report to spring training camp. Tom Brady, by confirming he’s not nearly done playing football, has given us just enough to survive until the NFL draft. He’s given us ... Garoppolo-gate.

Yes, the rumors are already in full swirl about whether the Patriots will deal their backup quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, and about who his potential suitors could be. Throwing the ball, a lot, is a trend that’s caught on throughout the league and the need for a franchise quarterback is at an all-time high. Several teams could be in great position to trade for the 2014 second-round draft pick and Sportsbook has set odds on which jersey he’ll don come the start of the 2017 NFL season.

The Cleveland Browns have emerged as the +200 co-favorites in the Garoppolo-gate sweepstakes with their glaring need for a quality signal-caller and they may be the team in the best position to acquire him. Trading down in last year’s draft has set up the Browns to possibly to make the factory of sadness a little bit happier and if they wind up with Jimmy G, they could surround him with some talent with their wealth of 2017 draft picks.

With the same odds to land Brady’s clone, we have the Chicago Bears. Da Bears have had issues behind center for a long time and as strange as it sounds, I think they’re finally giving up on Jay Cutler. Garoppolo feels like a great fit in Chicago but I’m not sure the Bears have the assets to compete against the Browns for his rights. In my opinion, this line should have a little more value, but I digress.

Behind the top Dawgs – and Bears – we have the 49ers (+300), the Saints (+1600), the Texans (+2500), the Jets (+2500) and the Broncos (+3300). Jimmy G going to any of these places would create interesting stories for a variety of reasons but wouldn’t it be hilarious if the Texans traded for him and had to bench Brock Osweiler while also paying Big-O $16 million.

A very likely scenario here, which is not being brought up by many, is that Garoppolo stays put as a contingency and security plan for the Patriots. As we all know, Brady is no spring chicken and Bill Belichick will want some insurance at the game's most important position. I’m not so sure Jacoby Brissett fills that void and unless they’re offered a deal they can’t refuse, I think they hang on to Jimmy. Sportsbook is paying +500 for that option and if you ask me, that’s the best value on the board.

What team will Garoppolo be on for the 1st regular season game of 2017
  • Cleveland Browns +200
  • Chicago Bears +200
  • San Francisco 49ers +300
  • New England Patriots +500
  • New Orleans Saints +1600
  • Houston Texans +2500
  • New York Jets +2500
  • Denver Broncos +3300
Odds as of February 13 at Sportsbook               
Back to Top