Thoughts On The Ron Borges Speculation Regarding Tom Brady's Future
Reportedly Tom Brady and the Patriots are in discussions on a new contract. The speculation is the deal could be either a 3 or 4 year extension. That is great news for Pats fans that Brady will be with the Patriots for several years to come. However, Ron Borges commented on the future of Tom Brady beyond this new contract.
Borges made his comments first on Comcast Sports Net last night , and then this morning on the "Toucher and Rich" show on 98.5 the Sports Hub. In his opinion he believes that this new deal that is being worked on right now will be his last with the team. I couldn't disagree with him more.
He is basing this on that he believes the Patriots would not give him more than a 1 year deal after this current new deal is done. He stated that Brady will do the Joe Montana thing and end up playing someplace else.
First of all, Joe Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. This was not his decision. It was made by the Forty Niners.
Second, Tom Brady has stated to Dennis and Callahan on August 16th his desire to play his entire career with the Patriots. Below is a question and quote from Tom Brady that comes from the Dennis and Callahan Show.
Do you ever see the day where you will play somewhere else?'I’d love to be here my whole career. I have goals and the team has goals and hopefully they’re kind of down the same line, but you never know. Like I say, Joe Montana got traded and Jerry Rice did. Guys that I loved watching that were really the best players to play their position, so its hard to think that those guys are not playing for a team then why should I be excluded from that, though I sure hope not. I am going to work my butt off, make sure I continue to add value to the team. Once you can’t add value, obviously the team’s not going to keep you around, so it’s my responsibility to be in shape, to play at a high level, to be on the field every day, to be the leader that I need to be so that the team wants me. That’s what it comes down to.'
Third, I can't imagine that Bob Kraft would not want Tom Brady play his entire career with the team. The Patriots don't usually make emotional decisions with players when it comes to business. However, I believe that Tom Brady is the exception to the rule, and I think the Krafts know this. I also think Pats management understand the history and the legacy of a player like Brady.
 I don't see Brady ever playing anywhere other than New England. (PHOTO: Icon/SMI) |
I truly believe the Patriots will make every effort to ensure that he ends his career as a Patriot. It is also in their best interest financially to keep him on the team as long as possible. It would be a bad business move for the Krafts to let him go in the end, so I just don't see that happening.
You already have proof that a quarterback can play well late into their careers. John Elway won two Super Bowls in his late thirties. Kurt Warner played in a Super Bowl in his late thirties. How about Rich Gannon getting to a Super Bowl with the Raiders? You also can't forget Brett Favre who is now over 40. I'm pretty sure Brady could be just as effective as these players.
Borges is entitled to his opinion on Brady, just as I am. However, on my side I have a quarterback that has already stated he wants to play his entire career in New England. I also have an organization that embraces the history of the club now and I can't see a reason for them to move on from Brady.
Only time will tell which one of us is right. Obviously we both have biases when it comes to the Patriots. I actually think Borges has a personal vendetta against the team, while I am a diehard fan of the Patriots.
It doesn't matter what Borges or myself thinks. The team and the player will probably make their decisions in 4 or 5 years.
As for me, I think he will play into his forties as a member of the New England Patriots. I am banking on that Brady and the Pats feel the same way.
