What It Means:

This seconds what Ed Werder, also of ESPN, reported a couple weeks ago. The Patriots could simply be trying to gain some leverage in future trade talks, but it will likely take a sizable haul to swing a deal for Garoppolo. If Tom Brady's 25-year-old backup is indeed untouchable, then teams are going to shift their focus to Mike Glennon and A.J. McCarron.

If Garoppolo had qualified, his 0.44 Passing Net Expected Points (NEP) per drop back would have ranked first among all quarterbacks with at least 100 drop backs in 2016.