The Patriots are projected to have roughly $30MM in cap space this offseason but, as ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss notes, they also have a litany of key free agents to consider. That list, of course, starts with superstar Tom Brady, who is planning to explore free agency for the first time in his career. It’s hard to imagine Brady leaving New England, but the Pats are notoriously opposed to sinking too many dollars into any one player. With countless suitors out there with more cash to burn than the Patriots, Reiss pegs his odds of returning at just 80%.
While you ponder the unthinkable, here’s more on the Pats:
- Among the free agents with less than 50% odds of returning, in Reiss’ estimation: linebacker Jamie Collins, wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, special teams ace Nate Ebner, linebacker/fullback Elandon Roberts, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, and left guard Joe Thuney. Thuney isn’t the biggest name on the list, but he might land the biggest pay day of them all as a four-year starter who has never missed a game. Thuney also just turned 27 in November, which means that other clubs will be eager to sign him through his prime years. Given their history, the Patriots seem unlikely to match exorbitant offers for him.
- Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels missed out on the Browns head coaching gig and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (on Twitter) sees that as a promising sign for Brady’s return. Regardless, Brady is still expected to test the waters in March.
- Earlier this week, New Hampshire prosecutors dropped their charges against Patriots safety Patrick Chung. Chung was arrested in 2019 when police found cocaine in his house.
I mean, they put garbage around him offensively and they still go to the playoffs and usually win. If they draft a QB this year and sign Brady to a 2 year deal that probably works out.
Garbage? Gronk = hall of fame, Julian Edelman and Wes welter = hall of very good, Randy moss = hall of fame, N’Keal Harry and Sony Michel = first round picks; Trey brown, Deion Branch, Kevin Faulk, James White. I think Brady has been surrounded by more than “garbage” over the years.
I think he’s more talking about this year. Only 2 of those guys you mentioned were on the roster this year.
He’s talking about this year…..
Who is Trey brown? Was he good?
Harry is solid but nothing more. Lacks speed.
I just hope they sign Brady. I don’t think the sports fan in Boston can take much more disappointment.
This picture makes it clear Tom Brady is leaving
LOL!
If you look at this as a fan you say bring Tom back no matter what right ?
But if you sit back without being a fan of the player and mote of the team
You say let him go we only have 30m and if we pay Tom 20-25m that’s 5m to add to the team
Sure the salary can be manipulated but for how much
Let’s make some trades! lol.
With countless suitors out there with more cash to burn than the Patriots, Reiss pegs his odds of returning at just 80%.
I don’t know that there are countless suitors but I do know interested teams will have to be able to check a few boxes before they will get any consideration from Brady. First and foremost they will have to have a strong OL capable of keeping him upright and healthy to win this lottery.
Brady will be back, based upon one question: With whom do they replace? And I will personally pee on the hubcaps of the car belonging to the person who says “Tanehill”