Rob Ninkovich went through eight seasons with the Patriots, remembering three for which he shared a locker room with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
In this way, it’s striking the previous Patriots edge rusher trusts Jimmy G will end up back in New England — regardless of whether Ninkovich was simply shooting from the hip while making the expectation Friday on ESPN’s “Get Up.”
“I think he’ll be a New England Patriot,” Ninkovich said. “And listen, when was the last time you’ve seen Bill Belichick walk up to the opposing team’s quarterback after they lost 33-6 and give him a little tap on the back and give him a handshake? I mean, I don’t think I’ve seen that from any other quarterback that’s ever beat the Patriots.”
Garoppolo, traded from New England to San Francisco on Halloween 2017, led the 49ers to a persuading triumph over the Patriots in Week 7. The 29-year-old since has suffered an ankle injury that could cost him the rest of the 2020 season while likewise casting vulnerability over his future with the Niners.
It’s just natural, at that point, to draw a straight line from Garoppolo to the Patriots, who have gotten disappointing quarterback play from Cam Newton this season in wake of Tom Brady’s departure. Newton right now is playing on a one-year contract, so it’s unclear who will be New England’s QB in 2021 and past, particularly with Jarrett Stidham battling in trash time activity.
The 49ers went to the Super Bowl last season with Garoppolo, yet San Francisco’s prosperity generally was a result of its defensive ability. Additionally, 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have been authentic about considering a quest for Brady in free agency this past offseason, which recommends they may approve of proceeding onward from Garoppolo after the 2020 NFL campaign.
“So, when I think about Jimmy G with the 49ers, there’s really nothing that is gonna hurt them if they just cut him loose. He’s already made most of his money,” Ninkovich said. “So, I could see maybe Jimmy G going to the Patriots, and I know this would be a harder thing to do, but Matt Ryan? Matt Ryan, maybe, huh, to the 49ers, back with Kyle Shanahan? I would think they have some unfinished business.”
Garoppolo went through three or more seasons with the Patriots subsequent to being chosen by New England in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He plainly dazzled certain individuals from the association during his time as Brady’s reinforcement, so it’ll be entrancing to see whether a gathering truly is probable.
“The Patriots are gonna get Jimmy G,” Ninkovich declared Friday.
