The Tom Brady extension is smart, but also risky for the Patriots, Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports opines. With the new deal, the Patriots will be able to lower Brady’s 2019 cap hit and gain flexibility in the coming year. And, with voidable salaries, the new pact will allow the team to avoid committing to an age-43 Tom Brady before seeing what he looks like at the age of 42.
On the flipside, the deal cancels out the team’s ability to franchise tag the quarterback in February. So, if Brady continues to perform at a high level, he’ll have lots of leverage with the Patriots, as well as interest from a boatload of teams in free agency.
Here’s more from the AFC East:
- Some league executives are suspicious of the new deal between the Brady and the Patriots, given the fact that Brady punted on a fully-guaranteed salary in 2014 that was on the verge of vesting, Mike Sando of The Athletic writes. Sando points to the Broncos’ mini-scandal of yesteryear when John Elway and Terrell Davis deferred $29MM in salary to lessen the team’s immediate cap hit in exchange for receiving the money with interest at a later date. To be clear – there’s no concrete proof of misdeeds between the Pats and Brady, but some folks in the football world are raising their eyebrows.
- After the Jets lured Ryan Kalil out of retirement, could they swing another big offensive line move by acquiring Redskins left tackle Trent Williams? That’s what many fans are wondering, but Rich Cimini of ESPN.com would be surprised if that happens. The Jets, he feels, should save their bullets for improving the cornerback situation, rather than upgrading from Kelvin Beachum.
- The Dolphins have a closer-than-expected quarterback race between Ryan Fitzpatrick and newcomer Josh Rosen.
Let the witch hunt begin
I fully expect Kraft to cut Brady a check for 100mil when he retires.
Retirement bonus!
Golden parachute!
Part ownership
How much could Brady’s wife get for providing “special” services?
I think league executives are worried about Brady getting so much leverage. No franchise tag!!?? Now other players will be asking for that. It sets a precedent.
It only sets a precedent for those with a handful of rings. I think owners are starting to see that the tag causes as many problems as it solves. Will be interesting to see if the current tag system gets restructured during the next CBA agreement.
Why do people think Brady is trying to screw the Patriots over or that he’ll play for another team? Brady & the Patriots have a trust and understanding. Seems like everyone outside of NE can’t figure that out.
Is that what you got from the above article/concern? Executives are concerned about a “wink and nod”, or off the books deal, between Brady and the Patriots. Or, take less money now and we will certainly take care of you next year.
If he wants to go year-to-year and save some cap space one year, so? Is that illegal?
Brady has so many connections in one of the richest parts of America, the NE, that he doesn’t need to blast the Pats. He can go year to year and Kraft won’t mind it for a second, nor will Bill. Bill isn’t an idiot. Him & Brady are the package.
“On the flipside, the deal cancels out the team’s ability to franchise tag the quarterback in February. So, if Brady continues to perform at a high level, he’ll have lots of leverage with the Patriots, as well as interest from a boatload of teams in free agency.”
Every article, it’s “Brady could leave in FA” “Brady could go to another team” He’s not going to. Period.
How could Brady enjoy the same success in another city, with a team that doesn’t embrace a “f the rules” mentality like the Patsies though?
I’d rather win and have some black marks rather than root for the Jets, Fins, Skins, Cards, 9’ers, Bengals, Lions et al that lose every single stinking year.
Ignore the troll
ROTFL you’re an idiot.
Hopefully Rosen outperforms the beard on thursday to elevate to QB1.
Agreed. I want to see a fresh young QB in Miami. No need to deal with Fitzmagic drama.