Sports

Patriots trade Garoppolo to 49ers

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the New England Patriots reacts before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The Patriots are trading quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a second round pick in 2018.  The move was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Garoppolo was drafted by the Patriots in 2014 and saw his most playing time during the 2016 season, when he began the year as New England's starter filling in during Tom Brady's four-game suspension.  He led the Patriots to a win over Arizona in the season opener and threw three touchdown passes in the first half of a win against Miami. He injured his right shoulder and did not start another game.

He will be eligible for free agency after this season and will likely command a hefty salary if he performs well with the 49ers, who are winless in their first eight games.

In what could be related news, the 49ers released veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, who started six games for San Francisco this season, completing 119 of 205 passes for 1,245 yards and four touchdowns.  He previously played in New England from 2009-2011, completing 27 passes for 286 yards and one touchdown.

His familiarity with the system makes Hoyer a prime candidate to sign with the Patriots as a backup to Brady, with two weeks to prepare for New England's next game against Denver.

During Boston 25 News at 10 & 11, we asked viewers if they agree with the decision to trade Garoppolo. More than 80 percent of viewers said no, they do not agree.