Sports

Garoppolo open to staying in New England long-term

FOXBORO — Jimmy Garoppolo remains open to the idea of staying with the New England Patriots long-term as the Super Bowl LI champs returned to the gridiron today for their first day of mandatory minicamp

“I‘d entertain any possibility,” said Garoppolo when asked if he would consider signing an extension. “There’s just so much going on with OTA’s and training camp is right around the corner so that’s where my focus is and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”

The backup quarterback is signed through the end of the 2016-2017 season.

Trade rumors began swirling around the 25-year-old back in early March when a picture of Garoppolo holding the Lombardi Trophy was posted to his personal Instagram account with the caption, “So grateful for my time in New England. Peace out Boston.” Garoppolo and his agent, Don Yee, claimed the post was the work of a hacker. Today at Gillette, the quarterback doubled down, saying he was as surprised as everyone else when he found out about it.

“I was confused because I don’t really do that much on social media,” Garoppolo said. “Whoever did it was pretty slick to figure out my password.”

Garoppolo went on to say that he did not pay attention to trade rumors that surfaced during the early part of the offseason because he, “had a lot going on.”

The conversation shifted to the quarterback's thoughts on backing up Tom Brady, as well as their relationship on and off the field.

Garoppolo, who's been Brady's understudy for three seasons, has appeared in 17 games, and made the only two starts of his professional career last season while Brady was serving his four-game suspension.

Garoppolo made it a point to stress his competitive nature and twice reiterated his desire to be on the field.

“Obviously I want to play, that’s the competitor in me. I think everyone out here wants to play,” the quarterback said. “Nothing’s going to be given to you, especially here. So, if you’re going to be a starter you’re going to have to earn it.”

Despite starting for six quarters while other members of his draft class – like Derek Carr, Teddy Bridgewater, and Blake Bortles – have become established starters around the league, Garoppolo affirmed his contentment with being a part of the Patriots.

"I love it, it's a very fortunate situation to come into a place, [and] get drafted here," Garoppolo said, before describing the positive impact Brady has had on him.

"He’s very helpful, on the field, off the field, with things in life. He’s been kind of like a big brother to me.”

Garoppolo was seen taking in the Kentucky Derby with Brady and fellow back-up Jacoby Brissett.

David Souza is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports Department. Follow David on Twitter @DSouza4717