Yea, Belichik should have moved him last off season for a better return but he wanted to keep him as an insurance policy incase Brady got hurt between pre season and the deadline. He knew he couldn't afford him so he got the best deal possible for a pending UFA. Jimmy G is doing great (as many thought he would) but people act like it was the worse trade of all time. Given the situation, its really not that bad.
They couldn't exactly just "move on" from the GOAT in the off season, especially with how well he played this year.
I don't think the criticism is as much that they chose to keep Tom vs Jimmy, it's more the return.
It will end up being pick #39/40 I believe for a starting QB that will help turn SF around.
No issue with keeping Jimmy until they could see how Tom was playing.
But to only get a 2nd rounder for him seems like they didn't get enough.
AZ needed a QB when Palmer went down. And likely needing a new starter as Palmer is 38 and nearing the end. They should have been a team that should have been all over Jimmy. Their #1 pick with their 8-8 season would be around #14/15.
Washington with their unwillingness to commit to Cousins should have put them in the mix as well. Cousins, IMO is in the ilk of an Alex Smith/Andy Dalton. Competent starter, but not a guy who can elevate a team. Needs lots of supporting help. They ended at 7-9.
Minny - they are a top level team now, so makes no sense for the Patriots to send Jimmy there to bolster their offence.
SF, if you deal him to SF, why couldn't they get extra picks? Like another 2nd or a 3rd as well?
Can understand NE not trading Jimmy to the AFC as you can end up playing him in a playoff matchup, so despite teams like Cleveland, Buffalo, Jets, Bengals, Jaguars, Broncos needing a QB, probably not going to deal him within conference.