The New England Patriots will sit backup quarterback Ryan Mallett for their preseason finale against the New York Giants on Thursday night. Could the former Arkansas Razorback be on his way out of New England?

Texans, Patriots Revisit a Ryan Mallett Trade?

According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Mallett won’t see any action on Thursday and rookie Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to play the entire game. It is believed that the Patriots drafted Garoppolo in the second round of May’s NFL draft with the intention of making him Tom Brady’s heir.

Rapoport reports that the Patriots will not trade Mallett until they feel that Garoppolo can comfortably hold the position and will use Thursday’s game as a test.

“Rapoport was told the Patriots won't deal Mallett until they feel comfortable with Garoppolo as their backup. Thursday will go a long way toward making that decision.

The Mallett trade rumors have burned bright all offseason, but quarterback chaos in a handful of NFL cities makes moving the lanky passer a greater reality than ever before.”

Mallett has been on the trading block for most of the offseason and the Houston Texans have been seen as the most likely destination for the three-year veteran. The St. Louis Rams are also in the market for a quarterback after they lost Sam Bradford to a torn ACL this past weekend.

The Patriots could be willing to deal Mallett after Thursday’s action as they normally head into the regular season with two quarterbacks on the roster. It isn't like the Patriots to hold onto more than two quarterbacks, but if Garoppolo can’t show flashes against the Giants, they may be forced to keep three quarterbacks on the roster.

[NFL.com]

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