Tue, Oct 31, 2017 at 7:16pm

NINERS FILL MAJOR NEED, GET GAROPPOLO FROM PATS

The San Francisco 49ers acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a 2nd-round draft pick in 2018.

What does it give the San Francisco 49ers
This is a coup for the Niners. Rather than take a chance on a rookie draftee this summer, San Francisco instead gets one of the most promising and polished young quarterbacks in the NFL. Moreover, the 49ers didn't need to give up a first-rounder (which is what many teams believe it takes nowadays to land a cornerstone QB). Garoppolo should take over as the team's starter as soon as Week 10, and he gives the winless squad's fanbase something to cheer for down the stretch.

What does it give the New England Patriots
Some might question the timing of this move by Pats boss Bill Belichick, but the Pats might have in fact maximized their return in this trade. Rather than waiting until this spring to move Garoppolo, Belichick avoided competing with the incoming draft class of quarterbacks. With QB's now a popular first-round option for teams wanting a franchise player at the position, demand for Garoppolo might have actually diminished closer to the NFL Draft. Additionally, with Tom Brady locked in as the Patriots starter for the forseeable future, Garoppolo became expendable.

Fantasy impact
Garoppolo obviously gains immediate fantasy value, although he shouldn't be overrated in most standard leagues for the rest of this season. He has future star potential, so he's a must-add / must-keep in keeper formats. Any fantasy value 49ers starting QB C.J. Beathard had is now gone (except for week 9, when he should get one last start--but even then, he hasn't shown much at all in his stint as the No. 1 for San Fran). Interestingly, former 49ers starter Brian Hoyer has been picked up by the Patriots to back up Tom Brady. Nonetheless, he won't see any fantasy uptick unless Brady gets injured.