If the San Francisco 49ers decide to move on from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after this season, it could open the door for a reunion in Foxboro with the New England Patriots.

Garoppolo's subpar play combined with his exorbitant contract have fueled speculation that the 49ers will look to trade or outright release him in the off-season.

One known fan of Garoppolo's abilities? New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who drafted Garoppolo in the second round in 2014.

The 49ers acquired Garoppolo for a second rounder during the 2017 season, then awarded him with a five year, $137.5 million contract (including $74 million guaranteed) after he went 5-0 as the starter upon his arrival in the Bay Area.

On Thursday, ESPN's Bill Barnwell ran the numbers for Garoppolo's release. His contract was heavily front-loaded, and the 49ers could free up $24.1 million in cap space by cutting him in June without owing any guaranteed money.

If he does become available, Barnwell speculates that a return to Foxboro could make the most sense, considering their cap and quarterback situations.

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“There would be one team that looms as an obvious fit for Garoppolo, of course. The Patriots will have more cap space than the 49ers and don't have a solution under contract for 2021. Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer are both free agents after the season, leaving Jarrett Stidham as the only quarterback under contract. They have publicly suggested that they think Stidham can be their quarterback of the future, but he has thrown four interceptions in 27 career pass attempts.

If the 49ers wanted to move on from Garoppolo, the Patriots would be the most logical suitors and the best landing spot for the veteran. The return would not be as exciting as Niners fans might hope; it's difficult to imagine New England sending much more than a mid-to-late-round pick in return for him.”

The 49ers could also try and negotiate a restructuring of Garoppolo's deal, which would mean the QB agreeing to a pay cut.

Garoppolo is currently sidelined for about eight weeks with his second high ankle sprain of the season for the 49ers, who have suffered more injuries to key players than perhaps any team in football. San Francisco is 4-4 on the season, but sits in last place in the ultra-competitive NFC West.

The Niners are projected to have about $23.1 million in cap space before addressing a slew of possible free agents, including left tackle Trent Williams, defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, and running back Tevin Coleman. Time will tell if the gunslinger ends up on the Patriots, though.