Brady's last year as a Patriot?

[Huckleberry1]

Hey guys, here's a bright idea, they should get rid of the best player in football to test out my theory on a back up who didn't last 6 quarters when he was asked to start four games. Belichick loves players who can't stay on the field when they are needed and he isn't going to want to keep a QB who went 14-1 with 28 touchdowns and 2 interceptions when he has an unproven backup he can replace him with.

Thank god someone finally started a thread on this topic, we really needed it.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Do you have high expectations in Brissett to lead this team to 10-14 wins this season if Brady goes down? I think Jimmy could do that. BB showed this offseason that he values proven players over picks. So this shouldn't be a surprise.

Garrapolo didn't make it through two games, he's anything but "proven."

 

[Clonamery]

Hey guys, here's a bright idea, they should get rid of the best player in football to test out my theory on a back up who didn't last 6 quarters when he was asked to start four games. Belichick loves players who can't stay on the field when they are needed and he isn't going to want to keep a QB who went 14-1 with 28 touchdowns and 2 interceptions when he has an unproven backup he can replace him with.

Thank god someone finally started a thread on this topic, we really needed it.

I'm sure this is the last thread on the subject...definitive as it is.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

Hey guys, here's a bright idea, they should get rid of the best player in football to test out my theory on a back up who didn't last 6 quarters when he was asked to start four games. Belichick loves players who can't stay on the field when they are needed and he isn't going to want to keep a QB who went 14-1 with 28 touchdowns and 2 interceptions when he has an unproven backup he can replace him with.

Thank god someone finally started a thread on this topic, we really needed it.

While I don't disagree with your overall sentiment about Brady and the amazing upside it would take to consider replacing him, I hardly think JG is an unknown theory to the Patriots organization. This has been a very common misnomer by a lot of posters who are trying to oversimplify the situation and ignoring some legitimate signs that the Patriots are uncommitted on their future at the position. People are operating under the wrong assumption that BB knows as little about Garopollo as we do.

Garopollo may be the worthy successor the team had hoped for in 2014, and Brady may not demonstrate any signs of regression and continue playing at an otherworldly level. Both things can be true at once, and they most likely are. That's why there is such a divide on this forum and a hesitation from the team to rush to resolve the issue.

 

[borg]

Curious to me is JG's silence.
If I was a backup QB with starting aspirations, and teams were eager to trade for me now.....I wouldn't passively sit by...I'd be vocal about my intentions hoping to expedite my exit.
But JG remains silent...which forces me to ask..."What does JG know?"

 

[Clonamery]

Curious to me is JG's silence.
If I was a backup QB with starting aspirations, and teams were eager to trade for me now.....I wouldn't passively sit by...I'd be vocal about my intentions hoping to expedite my exit.
But JG remains silent...which forces me to ask..."What does JG know?"

As much as his agent knows....

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

I'm not meaning to get in the middle of your statement because that was aimed at luuked, but citing pro football talk means absolutely nothing, and to take it one step further, I didn't see anything more than very basic speculation being thrown around in a "what if" scenario. They actually suggested that the #1 pick could be used to pry Kirk Cousins away too, which would make more sense. There were multiple names in the (very speculative) article, which was about trading away the top pick for a QB.

There was certainly no report that the #1 overall pick was definitely in play. As a matter of fact, just the day before PFT stated that "if Garoppolo leaves it will be with a job....done," insinuating that he really hasn't done ****.

A little off topic, but I'm glad to see that PFT has also noted the paradox problem with the Browns approach, which has been discussed on this board. I do believe the general reporting about the Browns attempts to get JG. It has been widely reported and not challenged that they are willing to give up #12 and more but not #1, and that they have been quite agressive. I am skeptical of media reports in general, but this reporting has been very consistent from many different sources. Whether it's a bunch of picks or not, they are clearly willing to pay a high price for JG.

And that's where Florio also notices the problem with the Browns reasoning, that whether it's Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garopollo, why would they be willing to spend the #1 pick on a player who they clearly feel is a lesser prospect than a player graded as a franchise quarterback? I'm not sure if the report about Trubisky is true, but if they are considering using the #1 pick on him, it makes absolutely no sense to do so when that very pick could get them options who they value much higher. The fact they have the #1 and #12 pick and are still trying to land Garopollo speaks volumes about their preference at the position and how they feel
about the draft prospects. If they were comfortable with a college QB, they wouldn't be trying to trade away their #12 pick for JG.

Ultimately, if you accept the reports, they won't give up 11 spots in the draft to get their best quarterback prospect. But they will use the #1 pick on a player who doesn't even have the potential to change their fortunes, or a quarterback who they are tying to avoid drafting that high.

 

[PatriotDynasty99]

I'll throw in a couple of points to my original post. Of course, JG would sign the franchise tag and be here an extra year if that's what NE forced him to do. But if they do that, it means Brady is gone because BB WILL NOT spend 40 million plus on the QB position. That would be insane. It would cripple his ability to field the rest of the team.

Also, for Belichick to totally shut down all trade talk in regards to JG? At least, if we're to believe all these reports (it might not be true, but we'll know for sure when the draft arrives, a few weeks away). For BB to say in practice it's hard to see the difference between Brady and JG? Everything we're hearing, everything we're seeing, strongly suggests that Belichick wants to keep JG long term. And again, you can't keep both long term. Where does that leave Brady? It leaves him and his 5 Super Bowl rings playing for someone else.

We'll see how it all plays out. But to say that BB isn't considering keeping JG? To say it's impossible that Brady might wind up elsewhere? I think those people aren't being honest with themselves.

I'll admit, I hope that's not what happens. I'd prefer they trade JG if in fact they have an offer for multiple picks. But I'm also looking at the situation and there are signs that suggest that Brady's time here could be limited to this season. As fans, we should be willing to have some awareness so that if it does happen we won't be totally shocked and surprised.

Most organizations would never let Brady go. Belichick? If you know anything about the guy, you know he's always moved on when others wouldn't. History suggests, and BB's insistence on keeping JG no matter how many picks he's offered, also suggests that Belichick will move on from Tom Brady -- on his terms, not Tom's.

How would Kraft feel about this? Of course, he would hate it. Absolutely. But he'd also (in the end) defer to Belichick because he knows the coach is always more important than the QB, especially one who's 40.

 

[Ice_Ice_Brady]

I'll throw in a couple of points to my original post. Of course, JG would sign the franchise tag and be here an extra year if that's what NE forced him to do. But if they do that, it means Brady is gone because BB WILL NOT spend 40 million plus on the QB position. That would be insane. It would cripple his ability to field the rest of the team.

Also, for Belichick to totally shut down all trade talk in regards to JG? At least, if we're to believe all these reports (it might not be true, but we'll know for sure when the draft arrives, a few weeks away). For BB to say in practice it's hard to see the difference between Brady and JG? Everything we're hearing, everything we're seeing, strongly suggests that Belichick wants to keep JG long term. And again, you can't keep both long term. Where does that leave Brady? It leaves him and his 5 Super Bowl rings playing for someone else.

We'll see how it all plays out. But to say that BB isn't considering keeping JG? To say it's impossible that Brady might wind up elsewhere? I think those people aren't being honest with themselves.

I'll admit, I hope that's not what happens. I'd prefer they trade JG if in fact they have an offer for multiple picks. But I'm also looking at the situation and there are signs that suggest that Brady's time here could be limited to this season. As fans, we should be willing to have some awareness so that if it does happen we won't be totally shocked and surprised.

I am not aware of Belichick's comments about Brady/Garopollo in practice. Is there a link?

 

[DarrylS]

Please God, make it stop!!!

 

[RayClay]

Before everyone throws stones at me, consider....

* Apparently, BB has decided to keep his backup QB and NOT trade him for what would be a huge amounts of picks, meaning he truly, truly values JG.

* After this season, no matter what happens, JG will be a free agent and if BB let's him walk, it means he got a season of having a quality backup QB who rarely played (likely scenario) and that would be it. Unless...

* He either gives JG the franchise tag or signs him to a new long term deal which of course would only happen if JG thought he was going to be the NE QB the following season; otherwise, JG would never sign a long term deal.

* So, let's consider the possibility that JG is given the franchise tag for a season. That means paying him more than Tom Brady and committing HUGE bucks to the QB position. Does anyone in his right mind think that's going to happen? Of course not.

* So keeping JG comes down to this: choosing between Tom Brady and JG. After this season, you can't have both. And you've (BB) already turned your back on multiple draft picks to keep JG so logically doesn't it make sense to keep the guy who's younger?

* As crazy as it seems, keeping JG this season reveals what's likely to happen the following season: Belichick keeping JG long term, making him the starter, and moving on from Tom Brady. I'm just not sure how it plays out any other way. What would a franchise give up for a 40 year old QB -- even one as good as Tom Brady? You might get a late 1st on a contending team.

* Tom Brady clearly wants to play 5 more seasons. Sticking with JG this year is a HUGE clue that that isn't likely to happen. Some will surely be very angry with BB. But does anyone doubt Belichick's fearlessness when it comes to doing what he thinks is best for the franchise? Bottom line here: enjoy this season. Hopefully it ends in another Super Bowl victory because Brady's last season as a Patriot could be this one.

 

[Clonamery]

I am not aware of Belichick's comments about Brady/Garopollo in practice. Is there a link?

No but there might soon be another thread on it.

 

[PatriotDynasty99]

I am not aware of Belichick's comments about Brady/Garopollo in practice. Is there a link?

I don't have a link, I heard him say it in an interview. He said in practice JG does everything as well as Brady (paraphrasing) -- runs the offense, gets in the right play, makes the throws. At the time, it was speculated he was just trying to pump up JG's trade value. Now, with apparently taking JG off the trade market entirely? That statement has a whole new meaning.

 

[farn]

There are many factors to consider. As much as I usually trust Schefter reports, it seems a bit much to suggest there are no scenarios that include JG moving. Also, as much as I think Brady gives this (or any) team the best chance to win, I'd have to think that HE isn't untouchable. It's rather that no team would be stupid enough to trade 25 players & 10 first round picks for 40 year old Brady.

Much speculation & many options. It's fun. I hardly understand how a fun debate over riches has become so intense. 2/3 world champs. And many options for improvement/movement. It's a glorious time to be a fan of the five time champs. Soak it in.

 

[PatriotDynasty99]

Curious to me is JG's silence.
If I was a backup QB with starting aspirations, and teams were eager to trade for me now.....I wouldn't passively sit by...I'd be vocal about my intentions hoping to expedite my exit.
But JG remains silent...which forces me to ask..."What does JG know?"

This is a GREAT point. And it's another piece to the puzzle. Why hasn't JG asked for a trade publicly? Why, after Brady saying he wants to play another 6 or 7 years, hasn't JG howled at the moon to be shipped out of NE, get his big payday and start in the NFL? Almost anyone would, unless....JG knows, has been told, very privately, that he'll be NE's starting QB in the very near future.

 

[jmt57]

* Apparently, BB has decided to keep his backup QB and NOT trade him for what would be a huge amounts of picks, meaning he truly, truly values JG.

1. If a trade is to be consummated it will most likely happen on draft day. It's a basic principle of negotiations. There is very little incentive for either side to not wait until the deadline, in order to get the best possible deal.
2. We have no idea what Cleveland has offered (or if they have even made an offer). Therefore we do not know that Belichick has turned down 'a huge amount of picks'.

 

[aluminum seats]

I am not aware of Belichick's comments about Brady/Garopollo in practice. Is there a link?

Bill Belichick: Interchanging Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo is 'seamless' at practice

 

[PatriotDynasty99]

1. If a trade is to be consummated it will most likely happen on draft day. It's a basic principle of negotiations. There is very little incentive for either side to not wait until the deadline, in order to get the best possible deal.
2. We have no idea what Cleveland has offered (or if they have even made an offer). Therefore we do not know that Belichick has turned down 'a huge amount of picks'.

Normally I would agree with you -- trades typically happen draft day or a few days before. However, in this case, it appears the ground work that's done before a trade isn't happening. All reports suggest that Cleveland has all but given up on a trade for JG. If BB truly isn't even listening to offers anymore? Well, I don't know how you suddenly change that dynamic on draft day.

 

[PatriotDynasty99]

Bill Belichick: Interchanging Tom Brady, Jimmy Garoppolo is 'seamless' at practice

Thanks for the link. And there you have BB saying there's isn't a difference in practice between the two, that it's "seamless."

 

[Vatahala]

A little off topic, but I'm glad to see that PFT has also noted the paradox problem with the Browns approach, which has been discussed on this board. I do believe the general reporting about the Browns attempts to get JG. It has been widely reported and not challenged that they are willing to give up #12 and more but not #1, and that they have been quite agressive. I am skeptical of media reports in general, but this reporting has been very consistent from many different sources. Whether it's a bunch of picks or not, they are clearly willing to pay a high price for JG.

And that's where Florio also notices the problem with the Browns reasoning, that whether it's Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garopollo, why would they be willing to spend the #1 pick on a player who they clearly feel is a lesser prospect than a player graded as a franchise quarterback? I'm not sure if the report about Trubisky is true, but if they are considering using the #1 pick on him, it makes absolutely no sense to do so when that very pick could get them options who they value much higher. The fact they have the #1 and #12 pick and are still trying to land Garopollo speaks volumes about their preference at the position and how they feel
about the draft prospects. If they were comfortable with a college QB, they wouldn't be trying to trade away their #12 pick for JG.

Ultimately, if you accept the reports, they won't give up 11 spots in the draft to get their best quarterback prospect. But they will use the #1 pick on a player who doesn't even have the potential to change their fortunes, or a quarterback who they are tying to avoid drafting that high.

What if Cleveland decided to trade #1 for a later first rounder and other picks, are there teams that couldn't pass on a supposed NFL talent like Myles Garrett and offer a good deal?

GMF made a good point on the economic value of a 1st round QB as Winston or a Mariota are locked in for 5 years at $10 million less a year than Glennon or Osweiler.

IMO don't waste a #12 on a QB Cleveland because you still get a cheaper one in the mid-twenties.