Just six days before they host the Arizona Cardinals, the winless San Francisco 49ers may have just traded for their quarterback of the future.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday that the 49ers have sent a 2018 second-round NFL Draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo. The 25-year-old fourth-year pro was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2014 draft, and he started under center for the Patriots early last season while Tom Brady was serving his "DeflateGate" suspension.
Garoppolo's first game as an NFL starter came against the Cardinals in Glendale in Week 1 of the 2016 season. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 264 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions as the Patriots beat the Cards 23-21 after Chandler Catanzaro missed a late field goal.
Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't have a big sample size ... but it's strong. pic.twitter.com/nCJhkiqFOS
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 31, 2017
Brian Hoyer began the season as the 49ers' starting quarterback, but he was benched three weeks ago in favor of rookie C.J. Beathard. Neither QB has been able to lead the 49ers to a victory so far in 2017, and Schefter reported Monday that the 49ers will release Hoyer.
AZCardinals.com writer Kyle Odegard said he doubts Garoppolo will play in Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals.
Doubt Jimmy G will play against #AZCardinals on Sunday, but could be an NFC West fixture if 49ers extend him. https://t.co/bM19zy1HdI
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) October 31, 2017
The 49ers lost to the Cardinals 18-15 in overtime Oct. 1 in Glendale thanks to a late touchdown catch by Larry Fitzgerald.
