Russini: Patriots still ‘sniffing out’ potential trade for 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo

The New England Patriots reportedly inquired about Jimmy Garoppolo before the start of free agency. The San Francisco 49ers told them that the quarterback was not available at that time. That doesn't mean that Bill Belichick has given up on the idea of a reunion with Garoppolo, his one-time heir apparent to Tom Brady.

The Patriots re-signed Cam Newton after being shut down by the 49ers. Looking to rebound from a seven-win 2020 campaign, they went on a spending spree in free agency. However, many don't feel that Newton will be New England's featured piece on offense.

"No, that is not the sense that I am getting around league circles, that Cam Newton is the guy that the New England Patriots are building this offense around," said ESPN's Dianna Russini on Thursday during a segment on ESPN's Get Up!

Belichick and company may still be pining over Garoppolo, who the 49ers have insisted is the expected starter for the 2021 season. Of course, if a trade opportunity opens up or a quarterback Shanahan loves falls to them in the draft, that could change.

The Patriots are likely hoping for one of those scenarios.

"Just recently, I was talking to somebody in the league who I really trust. He's got good information," Russini continued. "He said, 'Do not take the Jimmy Garoppolo trade off the table.' That is something New England is still sniffing out. Bill doesn't like to put his cards out on the table, so most think if we all know about that, that probably won't happen, but there is definitely a tone in the league that it could still go down."

Garoppolo is 24-9, including the playoffs, as San Francisco's starter. Of course, his durability has come into question. The quarterback missed 10 games last season due to ankle injuries and has missed 23 games over the past three years.

H/t to Patriots Wire for the find.