According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, the Patriots are no longer pursuing Garoppolo, meaning a reunion between the quarterback and his former team may not be in the future—at least, not this season.
The Patriots had reportedly inquired about Garoppolo before free agency and were told by the 49ers that the quarterback was not available at that time. New England went on to sign Cam Newton.
Circumstances have changed since then. San Francisco has traded up to the No. 3 overall pick and is expected to draft its quarterback of the future. That created some uncertainty when it comes to Garoppolo's future with the team.
The 49ers' general manager, John Lynch, recently told NFL Network's Steve Wyche that Garoppolo remains in their plans for the upcoming season. However, trade inquiries would not be ignored.
"Now, as of now, Lynch said that Garoppolo is very much in the team plans and that the rookie quarterback that they draft could learn under Garoppolo," Wyche reported. "But then I said to him, 'Look, though, as we get closer to the draft, and if a team calls, would you entertain that?' He said, 'Absolutely.' And he added that a lot of teams have already been circling, which is why they made this move—to get their quarterback for the future."
New England could also address its quarterback dilemma in the draft, which may have prompted it to move away from pursuing Garoppolo. Of course, this may be an attempt to lower the asking price for the 49ers quarterback.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic recently reported that NFL teams aren't buying that Garoppolo remains in the 49ers' immediate plans.
"[The] Patriots have shown interest in acquiring Garoppolo," wrote Howe of The Athletic, "and other teams believe the 2014 second-rounder is available or at least will become available once the Niners stop bluffing. The 49ers-Dolphins trade will lead to teams continuing to check on Garoppolo's availability. ... Will [the Patriots] be willing to offer more for Garoppolo to entice the 49ers to pull the trigger? They were planning to monitor Garoppolo's availability either way."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Report: 49ers aim to make Robert Saleh NFL's highest-paid DC; Nick Sorensen the front-runner for ST job
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly eager to reunite with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. Speaking on The 49ers +/- Podcast with Tim Kawakami, insider Matt Barrows shared insight into the team's approach to their coordinator vacancies, highlighting how much the... -
Report: 49ers have discussed Pete Carroll as a potential DC option
The San Francisco 49ers could face a tough challenge if the Jacksonville Jaguars hire defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their new head coach. Saleh is scheduled for a second interview with the Jaguars on Friday, and Matt Barrows of The Athletic has described the 49ers'... -
NFL insider still believes Robert Saleh will return to 49ers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen recently withdrew from the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching search, choosing to remain in Tampa. This decision has boosted Robert Saleh's chances of landing the Jaguars' head coach opening—a position that might seem... -
Another option emerges for 49ers' DC candidate Robert Saleh
Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is gaining attention in the coaching market. He is scheduled to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders tomorrow for their head coach vacancy, having already met with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the same role. Additionally, Saleh...