New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is comfortable letting quarterback Tom Brady test free agency in 2020, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. So in all likelihood, that’s exactly what Brady will do. When the tampering period opens on March 16, the quarterback will begin discussions with teams, who are likely to present pitches (much like NBA teams have done for major free agent stars). The market for Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion, will probably be robust.

The Patriots, meanwhile, will surely monitor Brady’s movements and prospects in hopes of retaining him. But Bill Belichick will likely also prepare New England’s roster for the quarterback’s potential departure. Here are five thoughts on how this process is shaping up, now that Brady’s foray into free agency feels imminent.

1. The chances of the Patriots retaining Tom Brady have fallen

Because Brady seems poised to test free agency, the Patriots will be short $7.5 million. Brady’s previous contract goes void when the new league year begins, which means his signing bonus (already paid in full) is no longer pro-rated against the cap. So instead of hitting the cap at $7.5 million in 2020 and the same in 2021, that money consolidates into 2020 as a $15 million cap hit. That’s fewer dollars for New England to lure Brady. And if Brady uses free agency to leverage for more money, that could be a problem for the Patriots, who have expiring contracts with safety Devin McCourty, guard Joe Thuney and linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins, among others.

Even if Brady doesn’t demand a big contract, Bill Belichick will have a harder time supplying the supporting cast, which is reportedly important to the quarterback.