It's hard to believe that the New England Patriots are content with entering the 2021 season with Cam Newton as their starting quarterback. However, it sounds like Bill Belichick has moved on from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, the Patriots are no longer pursuing Garoppolo, meaning a reunion between the quarterback and his former team may not be in the future—at least, not this season.
#Patriots are not pursuing #49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, per sources. Cap space isn't there and obviously Cam Newton will return. Additionally, the draft is flush with QBs. No Jimmy GQ reunion for the Pats in foreseeable future.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 28, 2021
The Patriots had reportedly inquired about Garoppolo before free agency and were told by the 49ers that the quarterback was not available at that time. New England went on to sign Cam Newton.
Circumstances have changed since then. San Francisco has traded up to the No. 3 overall pick and is expected to draft its quarterback of the future. That created some uncertainty when it comes to Garoppolo's future with the team.
The 49ers' general manager, John Lynch, recently told NFL Network's Steve Wyche that Garoppolo remains in their plans for the upcoming season. However, trade inquiries would not be ignored.
"Now, as of now, Lynch said that Garoppolo is very much in the team plans and that the rookie quarterback that they draft could learn under Garoppolo," Wyche reported. "But then I said to him, 'Look, though, as we get closer to the draft, and if a team calls, would you entertain that?' He said, 'Absolutely.' And he added that a lot of teams have already been circling, which is why they made this move—to get their quarterback for the future."
New England could also address its quarterback dilemma in the draft, which may have prompted it to move away from pursuing Garoppolo. Of course, this may be an attempt to lower the asking price for the 49ers quarterback.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic recently reported that NFL teams aren't buying that Garoppolo remains in the 49ers' immediate plans.
"[The] Patriots have shown interest in acquiring Garoppolo," wrote Howe of The Athletic, "and other teams believe the 2014 second-rounder is available or at least will become available once the Niners stop bluffing. The 49ers-Dolphins trade will lead to teams continuing to check on Garoppolo's availability. ... Will [the Patriots] be willing to offer more for Garoppolo to entice the 49ers to pull the trigger? They were planning to monitor Garoppolo's availability either way."