Jimmy Garoppolo may have been a backup in his almost four years with the New England Patriots, but he’s more valuable compared to long-time starter Tom Brady. Colin Cowherd, the host of "The Herd" on Fox Sports 1, ranked the eight most valuable quarterbacks in the NFL today (Feb. 13), with Garoppolo coming in third while Brady came in sixth. The Patriots traded Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers before the deadline for a 2018 second-round pick. Cowherd made his ranking based on four traits — talent, replaceability, years left, and importance to the organization.

“Garoppolo brings in the wealth of knowledge from Bill Belichick and he has now the best offensive coach in football in Kyle Shanahan,” said Cowherd, adding that he expects the 49ers quarterback to play 10 to 12 years in the NFL. Cowherd said his assessment on Brady is based on the remaining years that he will play in the league.

Earlier, Brady said he plans to play until he’s 45 years old, forcing Patriots team owner Robert Kraft to order Belichick to trade Garoppolo. The Patriots have no contingency at quarterback except for veteran backup Brian Hoyer, whom they signed after they traded Garoppolo to the 49ers for a 2018 second-round pick.

Aaron Rodgers tops Cowherd’s list

Based on his assessment, Cowherd placed Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers at No.

1 with Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks second. Coming in fourth was Indianapolis Colts’ Andrew Luck, who sat out last season due to a shoulder injury. Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles came in fifth while Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked seventh. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints was eighth.

Garoppolo is 49ers' long-term quarterback

The 49ers recently signed Garoppolo to a five-year deal worth $137.5 million, the richest deal in NFL history when it comes to average annual value. Garoppolo’s new deal surpassed the five-year, $135 million contract that quarterback Matthew Stafford signed with the Detroit Lions recently.

Since he was traded to the 49ers, Garoppolo played six games in the regular season, with five starts. Garoppolo went undefeated in his five starts, helping the 49ers to finish with a 6-10 mark and providing them a stability at the position that they lacked since removing Colin Kaepernick as the starter. In six regular-season games, Garoppolo completed 120-of-178 passes for 1,560 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions.
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