49ers acquire Jimmy Garappolo in blockbuster trade with Patriots

After years of speculation, the New England Patriots finally did what most believed they would. The defending Super Bowl champions have traded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Patriots will receive a second-round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft in exchange for Garoppolo.

The San Francisco 49ers have traded a 2018 second-round draft pick for New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, sources told ESPN on Monday night.

The consensus around the NFL seemed to be that Garoppolo wasn’t going anywhere unless the Patriots could get a significant haul in return. A second-round pick is a fair compensation for a player that may very well be a franchise quarterback once given the opportunity in San Francisco.

With the 49ers now set at quarterback, the team has decided to part ways with veteran Brian Hoyer following the trade, via Schefter.

The 49ers and Patriots began discussing the trade Monday morning and by evening the trade was officially agreed upon. The 49ers have also decided to release veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, a source said.

The question now is whether Garoppolo is ready to take on everything that comes with being the face of a franchise in the NFL. The backup did well in New England while Tom Brady served his suspension last year, but suffered an injury during that short time paving the way for Jacoby Brissett whom the Patriots also traded this season.

Another concern for the 49ers may be whether Garoppolo can play well in a new system. Obviously, he showed he was able to get it done with Bill Belichick calling the shots, but now things have changed has he’ll be leaned upon to lead a 0-8 team with a first-year head coach in Kyle Shanahan.