Tom Brady's final year with Pats (1 Viewer)

[Bossman]

So Brady enters his last season under contract this year.

There has been no talk of a contract extension to this point... which seems odd with this being the final year.

It would seem that, after this season, would be a perfect time to move back home to the west coast and play for the team he grew up cheering for.

Seems to me that SF is a perfect fit now that they opted not to draft a QB ... but took 2 OL in the 1st round instead.

Is he growing tired of the revolving door at O-Coordinator in NE?

Maybe he's had enough of spending winters the cold and snow.

... and wouldn't it make sense for him to want to raise his boy where Tom and Gisele will eventually end up retiring to?

The writing is on the wall ... and you heard it here first.

 

[David Yudkin]

Crazy talk. Brady is not going anywhere.

 

[Ray_T]

Crazy talk. Brady is not going anywhere.

I agree. the only reason he hasnt been signed is they likely want to make sure the injury that affected him last year isnt still going to affect him down the road. Regardless of whether they sign him now or later, he will likely be one of the highest paid players in the NFL. I dont think his value can go much higher, so the smart move is to wait.when the time comes, they will cough up the cash to keep him.

 

[Jason Wood]

He'll be extended. That's silly talk.

The only way I could see something happening is if Belichick, ever one to march to the beat of his own drummer, decided to retire after this season. And who honestly thinks that's happening?

 

[haterade]

oh god no

 

[thriftyrocker]

Bossman must own Crabtree in a few leagues.

 

[rzrback77]

I would not be so quick to dismiss this though. I don't recall many lifetime players on many NFL teams anymore and it seems that the Patriots are less inclined to pay to keep their stars than even others are.

If Brady is not perfectly healthy, does it make sense to re-sign him at his age to another huge contract?

 

[munchkin]

So Brady enters his last season under contract this year.There has been no talk of a contract extension to this point... which seems odd with this being the final year.It would seem that, after this season, would be a perfect time to move back home to the west coast and play for the team he grew up cheering for.Seems to me that SF is a perfect fit now that they opted not to draft a QB ... but took 2 OL in the 1st round instead.Is he growing tired of the revolving door at O-Coordinator in NE?Maybe he's had enough of spending winters the cold and snow.... and wouldn't it make sense for him to want to raise his boy where Tom and Gisele will eventually end up retiring to?The writing is on the wall ... and you heard it here first.

Bossman is crazy but the idea of Brady leaving NE isn't.On some level it makes no sense for Brady to leave one of the best organizations in football but he does appear to be a family first type of guy(and he's not alone in that respect as a player in the NFL). Seymour made sure his family was secure before he went off to Oakland last season.Not many NFL players have the opportunity to control their destination. I don't think Brady will string the Patriots along if he indeed does decide to move out to the West Coast. If it does happen it likely won't be a sign and trade either. Brady has given a lot to the Patriots and I doubt he would want to be caught up in a trade bait battle between two organizations. One of those first round picks next year could be used on a QB. I would certainly prefer to see him stay and it may be the most likely scenario but a move to California isn't out of the realm of possibility.

 

[munchkin]

Bossman must own Crabtree in a few leagues.

He does have Brady on the trade block in Z-43!!!!

 

[Plaid Boxer]

Not happening. "Kraft said that he remains confident that something will get done in this regard, mostly because of the mutual interest the sides share in continuing what's been a pretty fruitful relationship. But he added the Patriots and Brady's camp are working under no timetable, and there isn't a deadline to get anything finished.

"We’re very lucky to have him as our quarterback and we want him to be our quarterback for a long time into the future," Kraft said. "Everything he represents is pretty special. He’s a winner. We’re privileged to have him a part of the New England Patriots organization."

Boston Globe

 

[Truman]

I would not be so quick to dismiss this though. I don't recall many lifetime players on many NFL teams anymore and it seems that the Patriots are less inclined to pay to keep their stars than even others are.If Brady is not perfectly healthy, does it make sense to re-sign him at his age to another huge contract?

Well it doesn't make sense to get rid of him with no replacement on the roster. I could see him getting tagged multiple times if he doesn't sign as Pats will likely look for a short term deal.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Brady and the Patriots have had the position all along that they were in no hurry to do the new deal, that they wanted to let Peyton Manning sign his new one first, and then they would go from there.

 

[Sinrman]

Eh, I guess there is a very slight chance something like that could happen. With Moss possibly going elsewhere, Welker's health being unknown (right now at least), and the team getting younger, you never know. But I'm thinking that as long as they are winning, it won't matter. Bob Kraft will throw as much money at him as it takes...

 

[montana_grizzly_bears]

Wouldn't they of drafted someone that had fallen through the first round to groom as the heir apparent?

 

[tombonneau]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

In related news, Peyton Manning signs with the Lions.

Film at 11.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

lolz

 

[munchkin]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

 

[karmarooster]

Most of you probably would've said the idea of trading Drew Bledsoe within the division to Buffalo when he still had 4,300 yard/24 TD ability was crazy too. And Brady only had 14 starts at that point (.....and a ring.....). If any team is capable of this, its the Pats.

 

[Banger]

So Brady enters his last season under contract this year.There has been no talk of a contract extension to this point... which seems odd with this being the final year.It would seem that, after this season, would be a perfect time to move back home to the west coast and play for the team he grew up cheering for.Seems to me that SF is a perfect fit now that they opted not to draft a QB ... but took 2 OL in the 1st round instead.Is he growing tired of the revolving door at O-Coordinator in NE?Maybe he's had enough of spending winters the cold and snow.... and wouldn't it make sense for him to want to raise his boy where Tom and Gisele will eventually end up retiring to?The writing is on the wall ... and you heard it here first.

Bossman is crazy but the idea of Brady leaving NE isn't.On some level it makes no sense for Brady to leave one of the best organizations in football but he does appear to be a family first type of guy(and he's not alone in that respect as a player in the NFL). Seymour made sure his family was secure before he went off to Oakland last season.Not many NFL players have the opportunity to control their destination. I don't think Brady will string the Patriots along if he indeed does decide to move out to the West Coast. If it does happen it likely won't be a sign and trade either. Brady has given a lot to the Patriots and I doubt he would want to be caught up in a trade bait battle between two organizations. One of those first round picks next year could be used on a QB. I would certainly prefer to see him stay and it may be the most likely scenario but a move to California isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Brady is a big piece of the puzzle that makes the Pats one of the best organizations in football. He'd leave a huge hole. He's not going anywhere and I'm sure he'll sign a Manning type $100 mill deal soon enough.

 

[5Rings]

I'd drive Nancy, Julie, and Maureen to the airport to get him.

fwiw, drove by our alma mater the other day and WOW has his $$ really refurbished the athletic facilities. much better than Barry donating the batting cage to us.

one can dream......

 

[David Yudkin]

Most of you probably would've said the idea of trading Drew Bledsoe within the division to Buffalo when he still had 4,300 yard/24 TD ability was crazy too. And Brady only had 14 starts at that point (.....and a ring.....). If any team is capable of this, its the Pats.

It would have been crazy if Bledsoe was the driving force behind 4 SB appearances and 3 championships within 7 years.

 

[Donnybrook]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.

Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

Really? Are you saying that the Patriots, who used the Franchise tag on Cassel, wouldn't use it on Brady? Dream on.

 

[Andrew Garda]

THIS IS CRAZY TALK

As a Jets Fan I love it. As Niners fan I covet it.

But I like bossman's moxie. Stranger things have happened as has been pointed out in this very thread.

But yeah I can't imagine the Hoodie signing off on that one....

 

[Redmen62]

If Brady takes another serious injury though, I think all bets are off. ( Penny Hardaway might have been a lock for the NBA Hall Of Fame if he was born a decade later. Microfracture surgery was not as developed as current times and he was one of the first test runs. Instead his legacy is a journeyman who had a couple of commercials and mixed Tyra Banks a few protein shakes. Sometimes fate takes your legacy from you. )

Is this comment as dirty as I think it is? If so, nice.

 

[massraider]

I am not lucky enough for this to happen.

 

[KellysHeroes]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.

Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

Really? Are you saying that the Patriots, who used the Franchise tag on Cassel, wouldn't use it on Brady? Dream on.

They did use the Tag.. but then they gave Cassel away for nothing, and next yr the tag is like 20 million.

 

[munchkin]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.

Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

Really? Are you saying that the Patriots, who used the Franchise tag on Cassel, wouldn't use it on Brady? Dream on.

They did use the Tag.. but then they gave Cassel away for nothing, and next yr the tag is like 20 million.

So the Niners are going to be scared away by giving up two first round picks?I really don't want this to happen. But if it comes down to Brady wanting to leave the Pats will take the two picks and move on; this will nor become Culter/Favre like with the paper full of he said they said.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

See, if you're gonna spin a nonsense story like this, you need to be more creative. A more bombastic story would be that Al Davis has offered Bob Kraft their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks for the next 4 years and will pay Brady $52 million per year in a 12 year contract with a $250 million signing bonus.

It could happen.

 

[ivnabru]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.

Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

Really? Are you saying that the Patriots, who used the Franchise tag on Cassel, wouldn't use it on Brady? Dream on.

They did use the Tag.. but then they gave Cassel away for nothing, and next yr the tag is like 20 million.

I'm pretty confident they gave that tag just to make whoever dealt with them overpay for Cassel. I mean his market value was probably something like half what the tag got him if that. If it was Brady and the tag costs 20 mil like you say that would probably not be too far off his value. They could do that and not be overpaying by a ton. I think a lot of that would have to do with the fact that the Pats really don't have a great backup right now. Although the right free agent might like the idea of going to New England with all their talent so they'd have a chance at finding someone good enought.That being said I think Brady wants to stay in New England they've treated him well put good talent around him. And there really isn't a better location for him to go that I can think of if he wants to try and win another. Sure anywhere with Brady is competitive but there aren't a lot of strong teams with a QB need.

 

[mbuehner]

I hear he has vacationed in Miami. I assume he's going there.

 

[captain_amazing]

I hear he has vacationed in Miami. I assume he's going there.

hahahahahahaha

 

[Bossman]

I do think that SF is just a Tom Brady away from a SB next season.

 

[cstu]

While I agree this is crazy talk, if he leaves the Pats they certainly aren't letting him walk. If he were to get traded to SF it would probably merit the largest trade compensation in NFL history, eclipsing the Hershel & Ricky bounties.

But this isn't SF parting ways with Monanta with a Steve Young waiting in the wings.

Right now Brady is in the driver's seat, not the Pats. IF Brady would want to leave after this year he would simply do so. What are the Pats going to do lose this year and alienate their best player in the process of trying to consummate a trade? Not exactly the legacy Brady or the Patriots want to leave with possibly the best player ever to play for the team. If this were to happen it won't get ugly. Kraft is too much of a gentlemen (and a realist) and Brady is pretty pragmatic. It would be a let's move on with our life's decision.

Bossman is just throwing the plausibility of this happening at the wall; it is plausible.

Really? Are you saying that the Patriots, who used the Franchise tag on Cassel, wouldn't use it on Brady? Dream on.

They did use the Tag.. but then they gave Cassel away for nothing, and next yr the tag is like 20 million.

They got an early 2nd round pick that they used for Patrick Chung, who has the talent to turn into a very good safety. I can't imagine they don't tag Brady in order to trade him and would expect them to get at least that much for him.

 

[massraider]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

 

[Sweet Love]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have. This year they could put an unlimited amount of money on the books if they want to, and yet, they are tighter than they were in the past. I am sure there are questions going around the Pats offices from everything in regards to Brady's help and whether they can win without him (ala Cassell). I do not think this has been mentioned, but his son (with Bridget Moynahan (sp?)) lives in L.A. and that is where he is currently. Remember, this is a guy who was in tears when Bridget would not let him see the new born and he has done everything to incorporate the kid into his life. A move to SF could be enable him to see his kid's first T-Ball game, etc. Someone else mentioned the youth movement; soon Randy will be gone and Welker is a virtual crapshoot at this point. Is he going to have to break in the next Chad Jackson at age 34-35 or can he join a team with a solid line, Crabtree, new stadium (and all the hype that follows) and in his hometown...after writing that, I am more convinced than ever (well, hell, maybe just excited as a Jets Fan...lol).

 

[massraider]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have. This year they could put an unlimited amount of money on the books if they want to, and yet, they are tighter than they were in the past.

That has everything to do with the lack of a CBA, and not some perceived lack of cash.I have no idea why you think NFL owners aren't completely stacked with cash. Attendance is great, the TV deal is massive amounts of money, they have no developmental league to pay for, they are basically crushing it.

You don't actually believe the owners that claim they didn't make a profit last year, do you?

 

[mozzy84]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have.

Come on, Bob Kraft is loaded with cash beyond belief.

 

[Bossman]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have. This year they could put an unlimited amount of money on the books if they want to, and yet, they are tighter than they were in the past. I am sure there are questions going around the Pats offices from everything in regards to Brady's help and whether they can win without him (ala Cassell). I do not think this has been mentioned, but his son (with Bridget Moynahan (sp?)) lives in L.A. and that is where he is currently. Remember, this is a guy who was in tears when Bridget would not let him see the new born and he has done everything to incorporate the kid into his life. A move to SF could be enable him to see his kid's first T-Ball game, etc. Someone else mentioned the youth movement; soon Randy will be gone and Welker is a virtual crapshoot at this point. Is he going to have to break in the next Chad Jackson at age 34-35 or can he join a team with a solid line, Crabtree, new stadium (and all the hype that follows) and in his hometown...after writing that, I am more convinced than ever (well, hell, maybe just excited as a Jets Fan...lol).

 

[DoubleG]

So Brady enters his last season under contract this year.

There has been no talk of a contract extension to this point... which seems odd with this being the final year.

It would seem that, after this season, would be a perfect time to move back home to the west coast and play for the team he grew up cheering for.

Seems to me that SF is a perfect fit now that they opted not to draft a QB ... but took 2 OL in the 1st round instead.

Is he growing tired of the revolving door at O-Coordinator in NE?

Maybe he's had enough of spending winters the cold and snow.

... and wouldn't it make sense for him to want to raise his boy where Tom and Gisele will eventually end up retiring to?

The writing is on the wall ... and you heard it here first.

Sorry to burst your bubble on this one, but this is actually the 2nd time I've heard the suggestion that Brady would consider going to play on the west coast after this season. I wish I could remember where I read the article. It talked about him being a way from NE during OTA's and how he now stays in California most of the offseason and slips back to the west coast when he can. Even had comments from Belly about wishing he were around more. The article basically said the relationship between Brady and the Pats was "growing chilly" or something to that effect. If I can remember where I read it, I'll post a link.ETA: Actually I stand corrected - while it was the 2nd time I had read it your post predates the aricle:

Brady

 

[Sweet Love]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have. This year they could put an unlimited amount of money on the books if they want to, and yet, they are tighter than they were in the past.

That has everything to do with the lack of a CBA, and not some perceived lack of cash.I have no idea why you think NFL owners aren't completely stacked with cash. Attendance is great, the TV deal is massive amounts of money, they have no developmental league to pay for, they are basically crushing it.

You don't actually believe the owners that claim they didn't make a profit last year, do you?

Then why has not one yet stepped up and garner a 200 million payroll?? The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Dodgers make this happen on a yearly basis. Are you telling me that not one team in the NFL smells blood in the water and is not willing to give it a "one year" shot!?!?! Heck, the Brewers acquired Sbathia when they made their one season, late season run. Sounds a little naive to think they are all collectively "just waiting it out"...These owners have the money they have because they are "killers" in the business world and this is the one year where money can actually buy a championship.

 

[massraider]

Kraft wants to "solve the problem" with Brady

Posted by Michael David Smith on June 11, 2010 6:39 AM ET

Responding to a report that there's a "disconnect" between the New England Patriots and Tom Brady, owner Robert Kraft said he wants to fix the problem -- if it is a problem.

"Look, we are so lucky to have Tom Brady,'' Kraft told the Boston Globe. "He's under contract. He's here. I'm privileged to have a pretty special relationship with him. And I think he knows how I feel about him. I think we both want to solve the problem, or the issue. I don't know that it's a problem . . . it's complicated."

Brady has said he doesn't want to talk about his contract publicly, and Kraft seems to feel the same way.

"We basically have had a policy that we keep all those conversations between the principals, so it's not something we're going to discuss or do in the media,'' Kraft said.

I'd like to know why it's complicated.

Because, at the end of the day, the owners do not have the "deep pockets" that everyone thinks they have. This year they could put an unlimited amount of money on the books if they want to, and yet, they are tighter than they were in the past.

That has everything to do with the lack of a CBA, and not some perceived lack of cash.I have no idea why you think NFL owners aren't completely stacked with cash. Attendance is great, the TV deal is massive amounts of money, they have no developmental league to pay for, they are basically crushing it.

You don't actually believe the owners that claim they didn't make a profit last year, do you?

Then why has not one yet stepped up and garner a 200 million payroll?? The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets and Dodgers make this happen on a yearly basis. Are you telling me that not one team in the NFL smells blood in the water and is not willing to give it a "one year" shot!?!?! Heck, the Brewers acquired Sbathia when they made their one season, late season run. Sounds a little naive to think they are all collectively "just waiting it out"...These owners have the money they have because they are "killers" in the business world and this is the one year where money can actually buy a championship.

Well, this is a bit of a red herring because financial troubles is not why getting Brady re-signed is 'complicated'. I think it may be complicated for three reasons:

1. They want another hometown discount from Brady.

2. They somehow think a new CBA would change how they structure his deal, or what he can get.

3. They think he might not deserve Manning money. Tom had some rough patches last year.

What I don't think is that an NFL team, any NFL team, could be thinking, 'Geez, don't know if we can afford Tom Brady next year.'

The NFL is the healthiest sports league in the world. The teams didn't run out and sign a million players this year because:

1. With the way the CBA was structured, all the young FAs that would get mega-deals were RFA's. If you were gonna spend money on FA this year, who were the big ticket items? And more importantly, which ones were going to play for a one year deal? Because:

2. With no new CBA, and the owners not knowing if there was gonna be a rookie cap, or what the future salary caps would look like, teams don't want to make dealss now that could kill their cap in the future. The only way to make a run with FA's and not hurt your future cap is to sign one or two year deals. Which no decent FA would go for.

So teams were content to clear dead money off their cap, and force their RFA's to sign one year deals. I mean, who would a Denver or SD not have meaningful talks with Dumervil, VJax, or McNeil? Because if the cap goes down, or alters in some other way, those players might get different deals. It's the same reason the Rams don't want to sign Bradford till the last minute.

 

[David Yudkin]

I can tell you that one of the issues is the CBA/lack of CBA. From what I have heard, it does not appear that there are negotiations and/or options that involve football past 2010 without a salary cap. So whatever contracts are written now and moving forward will likely have the same rules as in the past.

By that I mean that teams will not be able to eat or hide signing bonuses and claim there was no salary cap when they signed the contracts. They will have to retroactively fit things under a salary cap. The Pats just signed a bunch of people and now have to explore what the impact will be in a new salary cap structure.

I don't think it's a money issue (Kraft can afford it), but if they give Brady $20 million a year and a huge signing bonus they will have to account for that and that could muck up their cap management.

Clearly we don't know what the salary cap number will be and if they will have to worry about it, but they do have to at least consider that issue.

 

[Bossman]

So Brady enters his last season under contract this year.

There has been no talk of a contract extension to this point... which seems odd with this being the final year.

It would seem that, after this season, would be a perfect time to move back home to the west coast and play for the team he grew up cheering for.

Seems to me that SF is a perfect fit now that they opted not to draft a QB ... but took 2 OL in the 1st round instead.

Is he growing tired of the revolving door at O-Coordinator in NE?

Maybe he's had enough of spending winters the cold and snow.

... and wouldn't it make sense for him to want to raise his boy where Tom and Gisele will eventually end up retiring to?

The writing is on the wall ... and you heard it here first.

Sorry to burst your bubble on this one, but this is actually the 2nd time I've heard the suggestion that Brady would consider going to play on the west coast after this season. I wish I could remember where I read the article. It talked about him being a way from NE during OTA's and how he now stays in California most of the offseason and slips back to the west coast when he can. Even had comments from Belly about wishing he were around more. The article basically said the relationship between Brady and the Pats was "growing chilly" or something to that effect. If I can remember where I read it, I'll post a link.ETA: Actually I stand corrected - while it was the 2nd time I had read it your post predates the aricle:

Brady

Thanks for the props.It's likely that this guy is a FBG lurker and was inspired by my post.