It sure sounds like Jimmy Garoppolo isn't the San Francisco 49ers' quarterback of the future, and the New England Patriots sure would make sense as a landing spot for the veteran quarterback.
The latest report suggests otherwise, however. According to ESPN's Jordan Schultz, the Patriots are "not pursuing" Garoppolo in a potential trade, and no reunion is expected between New England and its 2014 draft pick for the "foreseeable future."
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Schultz's report comes after ESPN's Adam Schefter insisted the 49ers have no plans to trade Garoppolo despite trading up to the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, where many expect them to take a quarterback.
But we've also heard reports that the Patriots still have interest in Garoppolo despite bringing Cam Newton back and that the 49ers may be bluffing to try to drive up the asking price for a potential trade.
Patriots Talk Podcast: Patriots don’t have to apologize for winning 2021 offseason | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
So, who to believe? As our Tom E. Curran pointed out Friday, any report that San Francisco plans to keep Garoppolo should be taken with a grain of salt after similar reports that Jimmy G. wasn't going anywhere prior to the 2017 NFL trade deadline.
New England Patriots
Find the latest New England Patriots news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
It's possible there's truth on both sides of the coin, however.
Garoppolo is under contract through 2022, so the 49ers may draft a QB like Zach Wilson, Justin Fields or Trey Lance at No. 3 and have him back up Garoppolo for at least a year before revisiting Jimmy G.'s future next offseason.
Perry: Why 49ers blockbuster draft trade isn't all good news for Patriots
From the Patriots' perspective, it may make sense to wait until after this season -- when the 49ers could trade or outright release Garoppolo -- to pursue the 29-year-old rather than take on his $26.4 million cap hit in 2021.
So, Patriots fans expecting Garoppolo to start for New England this fall may not want to get their hopes up. But the possibility of him returning to Foxboro one day still should be on the table.