Jimmy Garoppolo
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) celebrates after beating the Arizona Cardinals 23-21 at University of Phoenix Stadium. Reuters/ Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

The chess match involving New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has concluded for now. With coach Bill Belichick stubbornly wanting the 25-year-old player on the team, it would take a player of equal talent and value to convince the 65-year-old coach to agree to a deal.

Jimmy Garoppolo became a favorite among teams, particularly the ones in need of a quarterback. The list included the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers, teams that own the first and second overall pick of the coming 2017 NFL Draft.

According to Tom Curran of CSN Chicago, only multiple first-round picks would get Belichick to change his stance. The Browns do own plenty of picks but have so far not budged. Apparently Sashi Brown and Hue Jackson have weighed their options, likely preferring to pick up the best talent from the upcoming draft. It made more sense to get new players than sacrificing them for one player which is Garoppolo.

Jimmy Garoppolo trade off for now

The 2017 NFL Draft is a couple of days away and unless a crazy deal comes up, Garoppolo will continue to serve as Tom Brady’s backup at least for the coming 2017-18 NFL season.

The 2014 second round pick becomes a free agent in 2018, ESPN reported. He is in the final year of his contract worth US$820,077 (approximately AU$1,082,091). The Patriots could dangle Garoppolo a new lucrative pact though the latter is likely to compare it with pitches from other teams as well as the opportunity to be a starter.

Is Jimmy Garoppolo willing to wait?

Tom Brady will be turning 40 in August but has not shown signs of slowing down. He continues to his high football IQ against other teams, the last of which was against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI.

Garoppolo filled in last season when Brady served his four-game suspension caused by the “Deflategate” scandal. The 25-year-old did impress but would soon be forgotten once the regular starting role was handed back to Brady.

This coming season, the scenario would be different. Unless he decides to take more time off, Brady is likely to start for the Patriots. Garoppolo will be seen less this time around, waiting for Belichick to use him.

So far, Garoppolo has not been vocal about his stance. It could be that he is fine with his current role, opting to wait for 2018. The Browns and the 49ers could be back to inquire, holding better odds since it won’t be through an NFL trade.

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