People will talk about the defense or the tight ends or the offensive line or the wide receiver. All of that pales in comparison to the big question. What in the world do the Chicago Bears have planned for quarterback? All anybody knows at this point is a combination of Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley led them to the worst record ever in a 16-game season for this franchise. They aren't the answers.
Debating has already raged for the past month or more. Most of it centering on who they can or should target. Of course there is the draft route since they hold high position in the first round. There also could be some intriguing free agents like Kirk Cousins and Mike Glennon. The one name though that continues to pop up most often is New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo.
With Tom Brady on the cusp of winning his fifth Super Bowl, it's clear his ability shows no signs of slacking anytime soon. That makes Garoppolo a prime trade candidate. His rookie contract will be up after 2017. So if the Patriots want to get anything in return for him, it has to be this off-season. Initial reports rumored they're seeking a first round pick, but that may be a pipe dream.
According to Charlie Campbell, senior draft analyst of Walter Football, many around the NFL feel the price will be lower than that. Partly because of Brady and the relative unknowns around Garoppolo himself, but also some other factors in play.
"There has been talk that the New England Patriots are seeking a first-round pick for backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, but in surveying teams around the league, they don't think Garoppolo is worthy of that price tag. One AFC general manager told WalterFootball.com that he thinks Garoppolo is worthy of a third-round pick, but the Patriots could probably get a second-round selection for him. An NFC general manger said he thinks Garoppolo would go for a second-round pick. Another NFC general manager said they thought a third-round pick would be fair. All of the general managers cited the trades of Alex Smith, Matt Cassel and Matt Schaub. Each member of that trio went for a second-round pick when dealt. All three of those quarterbacks also had more starts and experience than Garoppolo does."For a little clarity here is how each of those comparative deals went down:
- Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. In exchange Falcons get second round picks in 2007 and 2008 while also swapping 10th pick for 8th pick in first round.
- Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. In exchange 49ers get a second round pick in 2013 and a conditional pick in 2014. That later became another second rounder.
- Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs. Together with outside linebacker Mike Vrabel they fetched the Patriots a second round pick in 2009.
