Jimmy Garoppolo trade saga takes a Patriots twist

The New England Patriots are no longer seeking a reunion with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to a report.

The San Francisco 49ers moved up to the No. 3 position in the 2021 NFL Draft, presumably to select another signal caller, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited a source Friday saying that Garoppolo “is here to stay” and is “our guy this year.”

ESPN’s Jordan Schultz tweeted Sunday the Patriots “are not pursuing” Jimmy G, who served as Tom Brady’s backup for three seasons before a 2017 trade to the Niners.

“No Jimmy GQ reunion for the Pats in foreseeable future,” Schultz added.

The Patriots re-signed Cam Newton to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million with incentives based on games started and a potential playoff appearance, but Bill Belichick still could add another quarterback to the roster this offseason. They currently own the No. 15 pick in the draft after finishing last season 7-9, missing the postseason for the first time since 2008.

Garoppolo appeared in just six games last season due to an ankle injury after leading the Niners to Super Bowl LIV the previous year. He’d also suffered a torn ACL in his left knee early in the 2018 season.

The Boston Sports Journal reported earlier this month – before Newton’s signing — that trading for Garoppolo was “Plan A” for the Patriots this offseason. But the outlet’s Greg Bedard said in a radio interview last week that New England has “moved on” because the 49ers “won’t engage” in substantive trade discussions.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is projected to be selected by the Jaguars with the first pick in the draft, with the Jets increasingly likely to tab BYU’s Zach Wilson second overall. Ohio State’s Justin Fields, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance and Alabama’s Mac Jones also are projected to be drafted early in the first round.