Despite telling the rest of the league they aren't trading backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the New England Patriots are reportedly exploring the free agent market for a backup QB.
Related: ESPN report: The Pats may be changing course on a potentially huge trade
The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported the Pats are interested in adding a QB this offseason if they do trade Garoppolo. The Pats have three quarterbacks on the roster now, including Tom Brady, Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett.
But according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots wouldn't feel comfortable with Brissett if Brady was injured and Garoppolo wasn't on the roster.
The Patriots could look to add a backup in free agency, or they could take another QB in the draft. Either way, it looks as if trading Garoppolo is still a possibility for the franchise despite their insistence that he will be a Patriot next season.
(h/t WEEI)