As someone who's circulated that, let me clarify.
And, the "value...to the NEP" is exactly what is on the table here.
Other teams have already taken a view on Matt's abilities based on his performance this season, on his pedigree at USC and with BB and on his athleticism. Having taken that view, they've also taken a view on how he would fit in with their organization/team and, finally, on whether they want him as their QB.
If they've decided that they want him, the "only" thing left is to decide is how much they would be willing to give up for him. As in any negotiation, that will be driven by the degree of motivation of both the buyer and the seller. And, also as in any negotiation, the perceived "degree of motivation" of both parties will be as much a matter of perception as it is of reality.
By spreading stories that there is serious doubt that TB will be able to return to his old form in 2009 , the NEP would put the thought in the mind of the buyer that Matt might be of greater value to his current team than if they were sure Brady was going to be 100% sometime early in 2009. Accordingly, the "buyer" would know that the "seller" is not as highly motivated as it might be to unload Matt and the "buyer" would understand that it might have to offer more to get him. I'm not suggesting that the Pats ARE doing this, but it would be a smart strategy in this negotiation and we all know that the Krafts and Piolichick are, if nothing else, smart.
Conversely, if the "buyer" thought that the "seller" was in a hurry to get rid of Matt because the "seller" was confident that its HOF QB was returning in his old form and, as a result, really didn't want to chew up $23 or so million of cap room at QB, the "buyer" would be inclined to think that the "seller" might take less for him to get him off the roster.
Seems like a pretty basic, but good, negotiating ploy to me.
