Super Bowl Sunday brought buzz around Tom Brady’s impending free agency decision. Finally, there were a few tangible pieces of news.
But first, there was something entirely flimsy (as usual). Brady’s cryptic tweet was reported to have nothing to do with a retirement or free agency announcement. Instead, it was a teaser for a Hulu commercial, and spoofed upon the expectations that it might be such an announcement. While folks puzzled over what Brady’s tweet meant, the photo was just an effort to build the hype for his commercial and an indirect attempt to sell streaming video subscriptions.
But then we got more significant nuggets. The Patriots are willing to pay in excess of $30 million to retain Brady, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. New England will extend itself to keep the quarterback, per NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran. Brady, meanwhile, is looking for a strong supporting cast, and not just a big offer, per Rapoport. If the Patriots’ offer comes up short, there will be teams waiting for Brady to hit free agency. The Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams ready to pounce on Brady, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Chargers will try to make a pitch, per Rapoport. For now, Brady and the Patriots are staying in contact, the quarterback told Westwood One sports radio.
That’s a lot of information packed into one weekend. Let’s break it down.
- Ready with a $30-million-per-year offer? The Patriots are apparently trying to stay competitive financially. A contract is defined by how it’s structured, but that sum would almost surely put Brady among the highest-paid quarterbacks. It’s not something we’re accustomed to hearing: Tom Brady, the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. Brady isn’t in that pay bracket because he previously liked to help the team keep cap space for a supporting cast. Will this year be different?
- More talent? Brady wants more talent — and he also wants more money. As Brady has seen for the last 20 years, sometimes quarterbacks can’t have both. The Patriots have roughly $40 million in cap space. How much cap space will New England have left if it gives Brady a two-year, $60 million contract?
- Teams already waiting in line? The news that L.A. and Las Vegas are interested in entering the Brady sweepstakes is unsurprising. Philip Rivers and the Chargers seem ready to part ways, and Raiders coach Jon Gruden appeared to fatigue on quarterback Derek Carr. There will likely be more openings, perhaps in places like Tennessee and Tampa Bay. It’s Tom Brady, the six-time Super Bowl champion. Most teams will be at least interested.
It’s unclear when Brady and the Patriots will sit down to talk about the contract and a potential extension. However, Brady could make his decision just before or during free agency, if he must, per Rapoport. The new league year starts on March 18, which is when Brady could sign with another team. He can begin negotiations with other teams on March 16 during the legal tampering period.
In the meantime, the Patriots have exclusive negotiation rights to Brady. The relationship between Brady, Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft and the Patriots may grow tense amid this long wait.
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