Who Knows?

When the big story of the week is just how much trade value your backup quarterback has, things are pretty good. When the second biggest story of the week is just how incredibly drunk the wide receiver you picked up on waivers was, that's not so good. Life. It's not just a board game.

The Jimmy G trade rumors resurfaced with Jacoby Brissett's return from IR. Pigskin pundits and bobbleheads speculated that bringing Brissett back was all about ensuring his continued development. Brady isn't slowing down, isn't showing any signs of slowing down and seems sincere in his desire to play into his 40s. Jimmy Garoppolo, set to be a free agent after the 2017 season, isn't going to be the QB of the Future, at least not in New England. The only logical conclusion was the Patriots trading Garoppolo to a QB-needy team before he hits free agency.

The speculation was followed by a denial from the Patriots. The denial was followed by more speculation; this was New England letting Cleveland, Chicago and any other NFL franchise turning their come hither eyes towards pigskin Aladdin that they'd better bring a shit ton of draft capital if they wanted to close the deal.

This got me thinking about value. Bill Belichick is all about value. Is the last year of Jimmy Garoppolo's rookie deal worth more to the Patriots than 1st and a 4th round draft picks? If Cleveland were to offer the #1 pick in this year's draft, is there any player coming out of college in 2017 Belichick has a 1st round/can't miss grade on? (He'd just trade down, wouldn't he?) I have to believe Belichick and his staff have a price point on Garoppolo. What they see in Brissett will have an impact on the net pigskin value calculus, too.

I can't believe they won't listen to offers but I also can't help thinking about how inexpensive Garoppolo is as Tom Brady insurance.

Two 1st round picks may sound crazy for Jimmy G but I suspect it will take at least that for Bill Belichick to make that trade.

A Shot At Redemption

I've found myself thinking more about Michael Floyd the person than Michael Floyd the player lately. Maybe it's the holiday season but I'd like to think he's more than just a potential compensatory pick in 2017. When I hear comments like "If he's learned his lesson…" it feels like we're leaving this up to Floyd to solve on his own and if he does have a problem with alcohol, if he's an alcoholic then he's going to need support. Yes, he needs to own it, to make the commitment to himself and his own health but none of us gets through this life alone, regardless of the adversity and challenges in our own personal narrative.

As a Patriots fan, yes, I hope Floyd can contribute to another New England Super Bowl win.

As a person, I hope he can get and stay sober.