Mac Jones produces his first 300-yard game, New England puts up 54 points on the New York Jets and the biggest Patriots story this week is about … Jimmy Garoppolo.
In Seth Wickersham’s new book, “It’s Better to be Feared,” the investigative reporter offered new insights into last spring’s Garoppolo trade talks between the Patriots and the 49ers. Wickersham reported that, during an “informal” discussion, New England wondered whether a second-round pick would be enough to bring Garoppolo back to Foxboro. San Francisco was intent on receiving a first-rounder, thus prompting Bill Belichick to move on without submitting an offer.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday was asked whether there was truth to reporting of his rejecting an offer from the Patriots. Again, Wickersham did not report that New England made an actual offer for Garoppolo.
Shanahan strongly denied the rumors while indicating he would have talked to the Patriots if an offer were made.
That brings us to Thursday, when NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, echoing his own prior reporting, offered this:
Minutes later, Wickersham further clarified his reporting.
And here’s the full excerpt from Wickersham’s book:
Got all that?
Ultimately, the Patriots should be happy with how things turned. Rookie Mac Jones looks like a potential franchise quarterback, with real talent to go along with maturity and poise beyond his years.
Jones and the Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
