Financial details of the new Patriots agreement Cam Newton clarify that New England leaves its options open in terms of quarterback position and Jimmy Garoppolo the bangs continue to linger. In a recent appearance on the PFT PM podcast, Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston said a New England-Garoppolo reunion remains a possibility even after Newton resumes (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).
Of course, the 49ers should make Garoppolo available through trade and this situation is a bit troubling. San Francisco GM John Lynch said last month that there is no doubt that Garoppolo will be his starting QB in 2021, but just a few days later, a report came out indicating that Jimmy G was still in the commercial block.
According to Florio, the Niners are still looking for an upgrade, and if they find one, Garoppolo would obviously resist being treated. Although he should drop his ban clause, it probably wouldn’t be a problem if San Francisco introduces or intends to bring in a player who could pose a threat to his workplace.
As Mike Reiss of ESPN.com points out, getting a legitimate defender in the contract was key for the Patriots with the opening of the free agency this week. Although there are many who believe that Newton is simply no longer a viable starter, he is still a beloved figure among the players, and Pats – who have among the most salary spaces in the league – are active players on the market. The club was connected to some of the first receivers and tight ends available, and those players probably wouldn’t even consider Foxborough. Jarrett Stidham he was the only passer on the list. So, although Newton’s agreement did not assure him of anything, it had to be done.
For his part, Newton expects to take a major step forward in 2021 if given the opportunity. Recently, he posted an advertising video on Instagram promising to return to training next season and, depending on how things are going in the free agency and the project, he could have that chance. If nothing else, the fact that Pats brought him back suggests that the team thinks he might look more like his old self, with a better complement of weapons around him.
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