Morning sports update: Patriots reportedly ‘still open to trading Malcolm Butler’
The Patriots and 49ers created major NFL news on Monday night when it was reported that Jimmy Garoppolo would be heading to San Francisco in exchange for a second-round draft pick. The full ramifications of the deal won’t be fully realized for years, though the trade is obviously significant. Elsewhere, the Celtics defeated the Spurs and the Bruins lost to the Blue Jackets.
Here’s a look at a few stories from across the sports world:
The Patriots are reportedly still “open” to a Malcolm Butler deal: According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Patriots might not be done with high profile trades, should the right offer arrive. Malcolm Butler, who was the subject of offseason trade rumors, is reportedly still available:
I also continue to hear the Pats still open to trading Malcolm Butler, who could be paired with that 2nd rnd pick for quality player
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 31, 2017
Chris Hogan wont’ need surgery, according to report: After sustaining a shoulder injury in the Patriots’ win over the Chargers on Sunday, Chris Hogan was due for an MRI. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the result is that Hogan won’t need surgery but will miss “a few weeks”:
#Patriots WR Chris Hogan does not need surgery for his shoulder injury, source said. Just rest & rehab, out a few weeks. Reevaluate post-bye
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2017
The Patriots reportedly tried to keep Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Brady: News of the Garoppolo trade ends the ongoing speculation over whether the Patriots would commit to multiple large contracts for quarterbacks in order to keep both Tom Brady and Garoppolo. Per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, it came down to Garoppolo wishing to be a starter, “not just a guy paid like one.” (Sports Illustrated)
Garoppolo trade wasn’t the only NFL deal on Monday: Aside from the Patriots-49ers trade, the Seahawks and Texans (who recently played a thrilling game in Seattle) also struck a reported deal. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks will acquire left tackle Duane Brown in exchange for cornerback Jeremy Lane, a 2018 fifth round pick and a 2019 second round pick. (ESPN)
Daily highlight: Let’s go back to Week 2 of the 2016 season, when Jimmy Garoppolo sliced up the Dolphins’ secondary in a Patriots’ win:
https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/777559661268447232
