Tom Brady and the New England Patriots seem to be in a negotiating stalemate — and they haven’t even begun. The Patriots are waiting for Brady to make his demands clear, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
When the Patriots and Brady signed a new deal during the 2019 offseason, the extension didn’t actually extend the quarterback’s contract, per Brady’s preference. Instead, it added void years to give Brady a raise for 2019 while providing New England with some salary cap relief. But the new deal also included a clause which prevented the Patriots from using the franchise tag on Brady this offseason. That clause is, in part, what has granted Brady the opportunity to explore free agency on March 16 when the legal tampering period opens.
Even with that deadline drawing near, New England and Brady can agree to an extension, but it seems the Patriots are awaiting the quarterback’s demands, per ESPN.
and include a no-tag provision in his deal to ensure him the right to test the market if he desired. Early in camp, the Patriots gave Brady his request for total freedom after 2019. Brady now has that opportunity to be a free agent.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 8, 2020
an offer, but Brady wanted to test the market, which has now has the chance to do.
The chance for Brady to return to New England is of course possible, but an important step in that process is an understanding for the team of what Brady is seeking in a new deal.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 8, 2020
Agent Don Yee has also made it clear at the NFL combine that the collective bargaining agreement has interfered with his ability to negotiate with New England. Because teams don’t have a clear sense of the cap space in the upcoming deal between the NFL and the NFLPA, teams are taking a delayed approach to extensions and free agency.
Brady’s market isn’t totally clear, but the Patriots, Titans, Chargers, Raiders and Buccaneers all seem like strong candidates to bid for his services.
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