Found this on a financial site: [Note this is only a small part of the post so doesn't violate any copyright laws]
Last season, the Patriots traded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (himself a late 2nd round pick at #62) to the quarterback-starved San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo was approaching the end of his rookie contract and his solid play in limited action likely meant he was an unaffordable luxury behind Brady on the depth chart. In the trade, the Patriots received a 2nd round pick (#43).
In the recent draft, that 2nd round pick was traded to the Detroit Lions for a 2nd round pick (#51) and a 4th round pick (#117). That Lions 2nd round pick was later traded to the Bears for a 4th round pick (#105) and a likely high 2nd round pick next year. The Lions 4th round pick was used for the Patriots to trade back-up slightly in the 2nd round to target a linebacker. The 4th round pick from the Bears was traded to the Browns for a later 4th round pick (#114) and a 6th round pick (#178). The 4th round pick from the Browns was traded to the Lions for a 3rd round pick next year. In the end, the Patriots turned a 2014 second round pick (Garoppolo) into a 2nd round pick this year, a 2nd round pick next year, a 3rd round pick next year, and a 6th round pick. How this turns out is anybody's guess, but 17 consecutive winning seasons suggests the Patriots will generate alpha (e.g. a winning record in a parity-driven league).
Last season, the Patriots traded backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (himself a late 2nd round pick at #62) to the quarterback-starved San Francisco 49ers. Garoppolo was approaching the end of his rookie contract and his solid play in limited action likely meant he was an unaffordable luxury behind Brady on the depth chart. In the trade, the Patriots received a 2nd round pick (#43).
In the recent draft, that 2nd round pick was traded to the Detroit Lions for a 2nd round pick (#51) and a 4th round pick (#117). That Lions 2nd round pick was later traded to the Bears for a 4th round pick (#105) and a likely high 2nd round pick next year. The Lions 4th round pick was used for the Patriots to trade back-up slightly in the 2nd round to target a linebacker. The 4th round pick from the Bears was traded to the Browns for a later 4th round pick (#114) and a 6th round pick (#178). The 4th round pick from the Browns was traded to the Lions for a 3rd round pick next year. In the end, the Patriots turned a 2014 second round pick (Garoppolo) into a 2nd round pick this year, a 2nd round pick next year, a 3rd round pick next year, and a 6th round pick. How this turns out is anybody's guess, but 17 consecutive winning seasons suggests the Patriots will generate alpha (e.g. a winning record in a parity-driven league).