Why Ex-Patriots Exec Thinks Jimmy Garoppolo Could Be Traded To Browns

Jimmy Garoppolo got a brief taste of life as a starting NFL quarterback earlier this season. According to one of his former bosses, he might get the chance at a full-time gig next season.

Former NFL executive Mike Lombardi, who’s served in the Cleveland Browns’ and New England Patriots’ front offices, said Thrusday he thinks the Browns actively will pursue Garoppolo in trade talks with the Patriots this offseason.

“The next quarterback that’ll be the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback perhaps is Jimmy Garoppolo in New England,” Lombardi said on FOX Sports 1’s “Speak for Yourself,” as transcribed by the Akron Beacon Journal. “I think Cleveland understands, (head coach) Hue Jackson specifically understands he needs a quarterback.

“I think they’ll be very aggressive. I think Jimmy Garoppolo’s on top of their list, and I think they’ll go hard after him.”

The Patriots trading Garoppolo certainly isn’t out of the question. The 25-year-old enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2017, and he’s still buried behind starter Tom Brady, who’s playing at an MVP-caliber level at age 39. Garoppolo raised his stock earlier this season, completing 70 percent of his passes in two starts with four touchdowns passes and zero interceptions while Brady served his four-game Deflategate suspension.

The winless Browns desperately need a quarterback after going through five already this season.

Lombardi, who was Cleveland’s general manager in 2013 and 2014 and an assistant to New England’s coaching staff from 2014 to 2016, believes other teams will call for Garoppolo, including the Chicago Bears. But the Browns, who have stockpiled draft picks and young talent, could make the Patriots a strong offer.

“I think the Patriots will decide whether (to trade Garoppolo) based on the deal they’re offered,” Lombardi said, “and Cleveland has enough assets to entice them.”