Rob Ninkovich presented a bleak forecast for the New England Patriots’ 2020 offseason. Not only is the former Patriots defensive end leaning away from Tom Brady returning to the team, but Ninkovich is also worried about a negative ripple effect on New England’s 2020 free agent class.
“My gut is telling me Tom is motivated to prove a lot of people wrong,” Ninkovich told the Boston Herald in a recent interview. “Looking at his Instagram posts, and all the things, ‘Keep talking bad about me. Bet against me,’ all that stuff, says he’s motivated. So it wouldn’t surprise me if he puts up the deuces to everybody, and tries to motivate himself to prove people wrong.”
Brady’s contract expires in March, when he can begin negotiations with the other 31 NFL teams. Prior to March 16, the Patriots have exclusive negotiating rights with Brady, and both parties seem open to an extension, even if they reportedly haven’t sit down to talk numbers. But if they’re far apart — or if the Patriots can’t promise an improved supporting offensive cast — then perhaps Brady will see what’s available in free agency.
If he leaves, then the Patriots could have issues with their typical game plan in free agency. Historically, Bill Belichick has asked players to take less money, because New England tends to be in play for a Super Bowl. Without Brady, Belichick’s Super Bowl pitch might lose momentum.
“It’s going to be difficult to try and bring everybody back. I would think if Tom comes back, one of those other players (McCourty, Van Noy, Collins) comes back,” Ninkovich told the Herald. “But if Tom doesn’t come back, I don’t know if those guys are going to want to stick around. Because what’s the outlook for the team? Is it a rebuilding phase? What happens moving forward?”
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