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Report: Patriots remain unwilling to trade Garoppolo

Winslow Townson / USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots are playing hardball.

With less than a week to go before the draft, the Patriots still do not plan on trading backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Related - Report: 'Persistent belief' Patriots want to keep Garoppolo

Garoppolo, who has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, is set to see his rookie deal expire next March. The Patriots have reportedly had a high asking price for the pass-thrower that could include as much as two first-round draft picks.

Despite reports that Garoppolo won't be traded, his contract situation could suggest otherwise. As a young protege of Tom Brady, Garoppolo will be able to command a lucrative contract on the open market, based off of recent deals received by Brock Osweiler and Mike Glennon.

For the Patriots to keep Garoppolo from leaving next winter, they will either have to offer him a contract similar to one he would get on the open market or use the franchise tag, which would cost upwards of $21 million. In either case, the Patriots likely would not be starting the 25-year-old, unless Brady takes a steep, unexpected decline in 2017. Giving Garoppolo starter money to sit on the bench is an option, but seems unlikely given how scrupulous the Patriots usually are with their salary cap.

Related - Report: Patriots still willing to trade Garoppolo for right offer

Trying to score multiple first-round picks for a second-round quarterback who has just two career starts is a difficult task, which could serve to explain why a deal hasn't been reached yet.

If the Patriots do trade Garoppolo, it will likely be at the draft to best ensure they have received the best offer available before pulling the trigger on a deal. New England currently does not have a first- or second-round pick in this year's draft.

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