Ex-mates laud departed Jimmy G, wish him well

FOXBORO — News of Jimmy Garoppolo being shipped to San Francisco on Monday for a second-round draft pick lingered in the Patriots locker room yesterday as the team met with the media for the first time since the trade.

To those in the Gillette Stadium stands and watching on the home sofa, the backup quarterback is a player they hope never sees the field. To those in the locker room, it represents someone they’ve come to know since he was drafted by the Pats in the second round in 2014.

“He’s a great guy and I want the best for him, but I really want to hang out with him, too,” left tackle Nate Solder said of Garoppolo.

Looking at the other side of the proverbial coin, Solder sees it as an opportunity for a friend to make a name for himself.

“It’s also a great part of the business, too,” Solder said. “We all have only so many opportunities and I can’t say it’s so bad for me when really it’s a great thing for him, I think. He wanted to be a starter and might have that opportunity, so great for him.”

Garoppolo had just 11 spot regular-season appearances under his belt when thrust into the starting role to open last season during Tom Brady’s four-game suspension. He made two starts and played in six games overall, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes for 502 yards and four touchdowns.

“He could throw the ball really well, quick release,” wide receiver Danny Amendola said. “Throws a great ball, that’s one thing that stands out. He’s (a fellow) Italian, and we actually share the same birthday, which is (today), actually.”

There is still the aspect of teammates constantly coming and going that can make players numb to the business side of the game.

“(Garoppolo) gained a lot of trust with all of his teammates here,” tight end Rob Gronkowski said. “I’ve seen many, many trades here since I’ve been here so, I’m not really shocked anymore when I see a trade like that, but it’s really good for him. I wish him the best. He’s a really good player.”

Said running back Rex Burkhead: “It’s part of the NFL and it’s the next guy up. Kind of whatever happens, you focus on the ultimate team goal and if a guy does leave, you wish him the best and whoever comes on the team you welcome them with open arms.”