NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock called New England Patriots backup Ryan Mallett a “legitimate NFL starting quarterback” last week, but Mallett’s shaky preseason debut has many questioning how much trade value he actually has.
NFL Network reporter Albert Breer provided some interesting information on his Twitter account Saturday morning, indicating that Tom Brady’s backup might not be as coveted by other NFL teams as Mayock indicated.
According to Breer, one AFC executive told him he “never saw an outstanding player” in Mallett.
” … I think they would definitely move him because it’s the last year of his deal,” the executive reportedly told Breer. “… But it would be a little leap of faith because no one has seen the guy do anything vs. varsity opposition, only the JV. And in those exposures, I never saw an outstanding player. So I need to see him this preseason with own eyes.”
The executive added that the Patriots would likely ask for a second-round pick in a trade involving Mallett but would probably settle for a third- or fourth-round pick.
According to Breer, an NFC executive agrees that the trade value for the 26-year-old quarterback is “low.”
“The fact that nobody Pats-related ever went after him speaks volumes,” the executive reportedly told Breer. “Plus, he can’t help you this year, so why not just sign him as a FA?”
An AFC general manager , meanwhile, told Breer that Jimmy Garoppolo’s presence on this year’s roster isn’t a good sign for Mallett.
“New England has invested a lot of time in him,” the AFC GM reportedly told Breer. “If they were really high on him, they would not have drafted one this year, pending UFA or not.’”
Photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
