In an excerpt from ESPN writer Seth Wickersham's newly released book about the New England Patriots, he wrote that, prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, the team engaged in preliminary discussions with the San Francisco 49ers about a deal involving quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Wickersham also claims that the Patrots were willing to offer a second-round pick in exchange for their former backup, but the 49ers set the asking price higher, wanting a first. Of course, a deal never occurred, as San Francisco ultimately traded up for Trey Lance and New England drafted Mac Jones.
"This is borderline negligent on the part of the 49ers," Brandon Tierney said during Thursday's edition of the Tiki and Tierney show. "Because by drafting Trey Lance -- you already told us and everybody knew that Jimmy's not the quarterback of the future -- taking Trey Lance third just solidified the notion. And if you didn't think he was ready -- and he's not -- you could've still traded Jimmy, gotten a two back, and then acquired a veteran..."
"The other side of this is, the idea that the Patriots still believe in Garoppolo," Tiki Barber said. "Who knows where Jimmy's career goes from here. Maybe if he'd gone back to New England and it was a more familiar, conducive offense to what he likes to do, maybe we wouldn't have this regressing feeling about him. I think, ultimately for the Patriots, it played out well, because Mac Jones is going to turn into a player..."
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan refuted the report from Wickersham's book on Wednesday, telling reporters "no" when asked if there was any truth to the rumor. Shanahan wasn't the only one who called out the story. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport tweeted on Thursday that the Patriots didn't attempt to trade for Garoppolo this past spring, due to cap constraints. Prior to the draft, Rapoport tweeted that New England had no room for Garoppolo's contract.
Through six games, the 49ers have grossly underachieved, and Garoppolo is running out of time as their starter. In the team's rain-soaked primetime loss to the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, the 29-year-old threw for just 181 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, and when asked if Garoppolo will start in Week 8, Shanahan replied, "I would guess so."
San Francisco (2-4), which sits in third place in the NFC West race, will visit the Chicago Bears on Sunday. According to FiveThirtyEight projections, the 49ers have a 16-percent chance to reach the playoffs.
The entire 49ers-Garoppolo conversation between Tiki and Tierney can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow the Tiki and Tierney Show on Twitter @TikiAndTierney and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.