What was your initial reaction when the New England Patriots sent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2nd round pick?
If you thought the Patriots could have received much more in return, you’re right.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, weeks prior to the trade, the Browns were willing to offer the first-round pick they received from Houston as part of the Deshaun Watson trade during the 2017 draft, in exchange for the 26-year-old Garoppolo. It was unknowable at the time of the offer, but that first-round pick is now locked in at #4 overall.
Why would Bill Belichick, one of the greatest football minds of all time, opt for less?
He hasn’t answered that question, but there are some theories.
- Belichick may still hold a grudge with the Browns. He had a messy departure as head coach in Cleveland in 1995.
- Garoppolo told Belichick he didn’t want to play in Cleveland. Maybe Belichick personally respects Garoppolo, and honored his wishes.
- Belichick wanted to help 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Belichick and Kyle’s father, NFL coaching great Mike Shanahan, are close friends. Mike has defended Belichick over the years regarding alleged cheating scandals. This could be a loyalty move.
- This could be a legacy move for Belichick. Could it be that he wants the Patriots to fail when he leaves the franchise to elevate his coaching greatness even more?
We may never know why New England traded Garoppolo to San Francisco instead of Cleveland. But, we do know one thing for certain.
The Browns ended up as the losers once again.