While Cam Newton has performed much better over the last two games, it still doesn’t mean he’s a lock to return to the Patriots next season.
Some believe the Patriots will select a quarterback high in the draft, while others think a veteran from outside the organization could be in the mix.
One of the potential available veterans who has already received a ton of attention if he became available is Jimmy Garoppolo.
But, based on what coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday, it’s not going to happen.
“I expect Jimmy to be our starter next year,” he told reporters. “I expect him to come and play with us this year. We have six games left, we are not out of the playoffs yet. I have been on a team that was 3-6 going into a bye week that ended up winning their division. I think we have guys on our team that are capable of finishing this the right way.
“We’ve got to do it one game at a time and I hope Jimmy can be a part of that, but to think we’ve made any decisions on anybody going into the future isn’t the case. Jimmy has won a lot of games for us. It’s a lot harder to win games when he’s not here. Just hoping we can get him back.”
Garoppolo is currently out several weeks with a sprained ankle. Additionally, this offseason the 49ers are able to get out of his contract if they want. He's set to earn base salaries of $24 million in 2021 and 2022.
It is worth noting things do change in a hurry in the NFL and just because Shanahan said what he said Tuesday, it doesn’t mean something could come up this offseason which forces them to change course.
But for now, don’t assume Garoppolo will be an option for the Patriots this offseason.
