NFL rumors: 49ers-Patriots Jimmy Garoppolo trade not expected soon

Whatever direction the 49ers choose to go with pick No. 3 in the 2021 NFL Draft, current QB Jimmy Garoppolo's time with the team is nearing its eventual end.

Ever since the 49ers made the blockbuster trade with the Dolphins a month ago, the Garoppolo trade rumors only intensified after a lackluster and injury-marred season that had some fans calling for a change under center.

With the 49ers preparing to take a QB with their No. 3 pick Thursday night, it remains unclear if the team will keep Garoppolo around for the start of the 2021 season like they had said, or if they will trade him sooner rather than later.

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It's starting to look like that former over the latter.

I would never say never. But the #Patriots aren’t expected to trade for Jimmy Garoppolo tonight or anytime soon. If the two sides could even come to terms (a big if), it would take a complex contract negotiation to get it done. Simply, NE doesn’t have room to fit the contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2021

Garoppolo's former team, the New England Patriots, have been a rumored landing spot for the 49ers QB the entire offseason. A reunion makes sense, although Garoppolo's $26 million salary-cap hit is proving to be one roadblock to any potential deal.