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Predicting What a Trade for Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo Would Cost the 49ers

By Peter Panacy

Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Patriots won 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers are in the market for a quarterback this offseason. And the New England Patriots are likely trying to move backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo, which prompts a question — how much would it cost the Niners to make a trade happen?

The San Francisco 49ers need a quarterback this offseason. New head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch stressed the need to look at every option available, when they were first introduced to the media on Thursday.

One of those options could be via a trade, and New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is likely going to be the most sought-after candidate.

But how much would it cost the Niners if they went this route?

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Late last year, ESPN’s Adam Schefter (h/t WEEI’s Kirk and Callahan Show) reported the Pats were asking for a first- and a fourth-round pick as compensation.

That’s an awfully steep price, especially considering Garoppolo has started just two games in his three-year career.

Still, one could make the argument it would be worthwhile, especially if he winds up being a franchise-type QB.

San Francisco owns the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. It would be crazy to think Lynch would make such a bold move to trade that pick away in order to meet New England’s demands. Yet if Lynch were to trade down, acquiring a second first-round pick, that’s another story.

Easier said than done though.

Speculating What a Trade Would Cost the 49ers

To gather some perspective, let’s look at what ESPN’s John Clayton told KNBR 1050 recently:

"Because I think when you look at the Garoppolo trade, it’s going to be very similar to the Alex Smith trade of a couple years ago. Where naturally, if you’re the Patriots, you’re going to hold out for a No. 1, but you are not going to hold out totally. So knowing there’s maybe not a top five quarterback in this draft, that’s why I think the second round options might be a little more viable.Because then maybe you can give a (second round pick), (a third round pick) in 2018 and I think the Patriots will take that because they are trying to restock the roster as far as getting young guys for the next Super Bowl run."

More from Niner Noise

Fans will recall the 2013 trade that sent former quarterback Alex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs — a second-round pick (No. 34 overall) and a conditional third-round pick in 2014, which was upgraded to a Round 2 selection (No. 56 overall) when the Chiefs won more than eight games in 2013.

If Clayton is right, the Niners could feasibly ship off their second-round pick from the 2017 draft (No. 34 overall) and a conditional third-round selection — perhaps from this year or next.

The deal would certainly help answer one of the more pressing questions San Francisco has this offseason — what to do under center.

Next: 5 49ers Who Will Benefit Under Head Coach Kyle Shanahan

Yet if it doesn’t work, and Garoppolo struggles, it would be a first-time mistake for Lynch in his new role as general manager.