What It Means:

Garoppolo is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and with Tom Brady still performing as one of the best players in the NFL, the expectation has been that the Patriots will trade their backup quarterback this offseason. However, Monday Morning Quarterback's Peter King and now Werder have both stated they don't believe a deal will be made. It's possible the Patriots are trying to drive up Garoppolo's trade value, but they also might just decide to hold onto him for 2017 as luxury insurance for Brady's age-40 campaign. New England would receive a high compensatory pick if Garoppolo walks next offseason.

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.