Why Jimmy Garoppolo makes no sense for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs might be in the market for a new starting quarterback at some point in the very near future, but Jimmy Garoppolo makes absolutely no sense for KC.
It’s the NFL offseason, so rumors are supposed to be flying this time of year. The Kansas City Chiefs are rumored to be considering changes at the starting quarterback position, which makes them ripe to be connected with anyone and everyone. However, one idea floating about the possibility of trading for Jimmy Garoppolo is among the ones that make the least amount of sense.
Garoppolo has certainly looked the part as a potential starting quarterback in limited duty filling in for Tom Brady the last few seasons. Since Bill Belichick made Garoppolo a second round pick in 2014, Garoppolo has thrown only 94 total passes (that’s two weeks work for Drew Brees, by comparison), but Garoppolo went 2-0 when starting while Brady was suspended in 2016, completing 68% of his passes and throwing 4 touchdowns and avoiding any interceptions. It was good for a 113.3 passer rating and plenty of buzz about his starting potential.
Garoppolo basically has it all going for him at this point. Let’s consider the following:
1. One third of NFL franchises seem to be desperate for a long-term answer at quarterback, the game’s most important position.
2. Teams are paying through the nose to find those answers (a la Brock Osweiler’s mega-contract from the Houston Texans).
3. There’s an ongoing mystique around Bill Belichick’s players and staff that make them seem better than they are (a la every former Pats player and coach who leaves).
4. The limited sample size looks great
5. He’s studied under both the best quarterback and coach in NFL history.
6. He’s ready to start from Week 1 versus a rookie who might need time.
In short, there’s a lot to like about Garoppolo for any team in need of a starter. And that’s where this all begins to fall apart when viewed from the Chiefs perspective. The cost is going to be far too considerable both in trade value and in contract terms for the Chiefs to take the bait.