Timing on Brady's next contract

[JoeSixPat]

I was looking over a list of 2010 free agents - and noticed a string of QBs who, assuming they don't get tagged, are looking at major contracts next year in an uncapped year.

Eli Manning, Roethlisberger, Rivers in particular

Recognizing that Brady is signed through 2010, it seems to me that the Patriots would be wise to move quickly to extend Brady next year - especially if indeed 2010 is an uncapped year.

Seems to me that we all agree Brady has earned and expects a top of the market deal, though again won't break the bank - but it makes little sense for the Patriots to sit back and let either of those three contracts set the market BEFORE negotiating with Brady.

I guess Brady himself could choose to wait to maximize his market value but again, my gut says that won't happen and that the Pats will make a generous enough offer to set the bar rather than have it set for them.

Any thoughts?

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

There is nothing to worry about, this guy isn't leaving. Unless O'Connel is the next Steve Young and Brady struggles and gets injured again, I see Brady retiring a Patriot.

 

[supafly]

I couldn't agree with you more, as I noticed a couple of these guys were going to be due a while ago. I think Tom's situation is slightly below that of the big 2 defensive linemen right now--but still quite important to get done sooner rather than later.

I think Tom could be willing to take the 10% less hometown deal, but it's going to be hard having idiots like Eli making 120 million over 7 yrs, while trying to have a (somewhat) comparable type contract for Tom.

 

[capkraz]

Depends if Brady's personal values have changed or not with a high profile wife and a high profile life style vs the last time he signed a contract. From everyting one hears about him I agree with the sentiment that he will stay here for a lesser amount than the Niners or some other team would give him.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

With the restrictions on salary and limited amortization due to the NFL operating under an expiring CBA it would be tougher than normal to craft a team friendly deal for Brady that would work for both parties. Tom has $10M in remaining amortization from his 2005 deal remaining on the books between now and 2010.

 

[supafly]

There is nothing to worry about, this guy isn't leaving. Unless O'Connel is the next Steve Young and Brady struggles and gets injured again, I see Brady retiring a Patriot.

I think a lot of us are pretty sure he'll retire a Pat, but how do we offer him anything close to comparable deals such as Eli's reported 120 million/7 yrs?

I think that's pretty much the problem, and the point of the discussion. You have to remember we're having a hard enough time with the other players that we're trying to keep--let alone Tom. Everyone knows he wants to stay, and chances are he'll be pretty cool about things, but numbers-wise things could get interesting with all the money being thrown around on lesser talent.

You certainly have to give him something somewhat equal to these other guys, and that could be a challenge--while trying to retain our other important players, not to mention Randy's up too that year.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

I think a lot of us are pretty sure he'll retire a Pat, but how do we offer him anything close to comparable deals such as Eli's reported 120 million/7 yrs?

I think that's pretty much the problem, and the point of the discussion. You have to remember we're having a hard enough time with the other players that we're trying to keep--let alone Tom. Everyone knows he wants to stay, and chances are he'll be pretty cool about things, but numbers-wise things could get interesting with all the money being thrown around on lesser talent.

You certainly have to give him something somewhat equal to these other guys, and that could be a challenge--while trying to retain our other important players, not to mention Randy's up too that year.

The year before he signed his last deal that other Manning inked a 9 year $126M deal with a $34M signing bonus. Brady didn't demand equal treatment then. What he will expect is guaranteed language that assures he gets close to the same take home in the first 3 years of his new deal. Eli will likely get $40M guaranteed, the rest is fluff that could disappear at any time. Few actually see these deals through unless they are earning it or their dead cap won't allow for them not to.

Nobody is more important to retain than Brady. Randy will likely be gone after 2010.

 

[PatsFaninME]

There is nothing to worry about, this guy isn't leaving. Unless O'Connel is the next Steve Young and Brady struggles and gets injured again, I see Brady retiring a Patriot.

Count me as a FORMER lifelong Patriots fan if the Patriots EVER allow Tom Brady to play for another NFL team. I don't care if O'Connell is the next Tom Brady. As long as Tom wants to play, he should play as a Patriot. I think what 49ers did with Montana was shameful, even if it was the right thing to do. Brady (and Montana) earned the right to decide when they were ready to hand the reins over to the next QB of the Patriots (49ers).

 

[supafly]

The year before he signed his last deal that other Manning inked a 9 year $126M deal with a $34M signing bonus. Brady didn't demand equal treatment then. What he will expect is guaranteed language that assures he gets close to the same take home in the first 3 years of his new deal. Eli will likely get $40M guaranteed, the rest is fluff that could disappear at any time. Few actually see these deals through unless they are earning it or their dead cap won't allow for them not to.

Nobody is more important to retain than Brady. Randy will likely be gone after 2010.

Yeah, I tend to side w/ you more abt Eli's guaranteed figure, I think it'll be closer to the 40m that you stated, rather than the 50m that's being reported. Even if it's in the middle, which is probably the best guess, 45m or so for Eli is a bit much. I could see it for Peyton, who IMO, is a lot better. But the younger Manning---that's ridiculous.

And good pt abt Tom not demanding the contract of Peyton, but if it happens to be 3,4,5 other QB's who get a ton of guaranteed money, then I'd expect him to want somewhat of a fair deal. Like I said though, I still expect him to be pretty cool abt it, and I really think he wants to retire here.

I guess his fair deal would be, like you said, the first 3 or so yrs of the new deal, which I'd assume would be 35+ ??

 

[farn]

Count me as a FORMER lifelong Patriots fan if the Patriots EVER allow Tom Brady to play for another NFL team. I don't care if O'Connell is the next Tom Brady. As long as Tom wants to play, he should play as a Patriot. I think what 49ers did with Montana was shameful, even if it was the right thing to do. Brady (and Montana) earned the right to decide when they were ready to hand the reins over to the next QB of the Patriots (49ers).

If it is the right call, and they cut Brady loose (eventually) I will be even a bigger fan. Here's the deal : I'm a Patriots fan. I want them to win. If someone garanteed they'd win the SB this year if they traded Brady, I'd be all for it. Brady is the best player this franchise has ever had - by a long shot - but truth is : he won't be here forever. I will be a fan forever. I want NE to win. Whatever has to be done to win, I want it done.

Now... obviously I do not feel that dumping Brady helps us win in any way... just saying I'm a fan of the team, specific players - not so much.

Furthermore, if O'C IS the next Tom Brady - awesome, let's get him in there the second Tom's slipping. Your logic is ridiculous. I'D rather win at all cost. You come off sounding like the little leaguer who'd rather go 4 for 4 and lose than 0-4 and win.

 

[eagle eye]

I would be tying him up as soon as he proves that the injury is out of the way. That should be about three or four games into the season.

While we all expect that Tom Brady will stay here, I don't want to take the chance on him leaving.

As player get older they start to think more about leaving their mark on the game. There are important men at other organizations now that Tom Brady has great respect for.

Lets say I'm Scott Pioli or Josh McDaneils and I want Brady. I am going to tell Tom that my organization is ready to contend for SB honours and that Tom Brady is the missing link, I have big money for him and remind him that if he comes to my team and wins a superbowl that he is certain to go down in history as the best QB of all time.

You gotta tie him up as soon as he shows that this injury is in the past.

 

[farn]

I would be tying him up as soon as he proves that the injury is out of the way. That should be about three or four games into the season.

While we all expect that Tom Brady will stay here, I don't want to take the chance on him leaving.

As player get older they start to think more about leaving their mark on the game. There are important men at other organizations now that Tom Brady has great respect for.

Lets say I'm Scott Pioli or Josh McDaneils and I want Brady. I am going to tell Tom that my organization is ready to contend for SB honours and that Tom Brady is the missing link, I have big money for him and remind him that if he comes to my team and wins a superbowl that he is certain to go down in history as the best QB of all time.

You gotta tie him up as soon as he shows that this injury is in the past.

Oh ya - for sure Pioli & McD would LOVE to get their hands on (even an aging) Brady... he has the rings to command respect. Hopefully they DO get him under contract asap... BUT to say that if Brady leaves, it makes being a NE fan "less" or "useless" is way overboard.

 

[Miguel]

Big Ben is signed through the 2015 season.
Brady through the 2010 season.
Eli and Rivers through the 2009 season.

DOB
Brady - 8/3/77
Rivers - 12/8/81
Eli - 1/3/81

I think that if Brady signs an extension in 2009 it would have to take into account
1.) that the Patriots are assuming two years of the injury risk factor
2.) that he is 3 years older than Eli and 4 years older than Rivers.
3.) that he is coming off a season-ending injury. The other two are not.
4.) that it will probably be cheaper to tag Brady in 2011 than it will be to tag Rivers or Eli in 2010

 

[matt9071]

Count me as a FORMER lifelong Patriots fan if the Patriots EVER allow Tom Brady to play for another NFL team. I don't care if O'Connell is the next Tom Brady. As long as Tom wants to play, he should play as a Patriot. I think what 49ers did with Montana was shameful, even if it was the right thing to do. Brady (and Montana) earned the right to decide when they were ready to hand the reins over to the next QB of the Patriots (49ers).

If O'connels the next Brady than whenever its beneficial for the team Tom has to go. Dont get me wrong I love Tom Brady, but know one is bigger than the team. Just look at the farve situation its a mess right now. I have full confidence that Tom will know when he has declined enough to hang em up and move on to other things.

 

[JoeSixPat]

There is nothing to worry about, this guy isn't leaving. Unless O'Connel is the next Steve Young and Brady struggles and gets injured again, I see Brady retiring a Patriot.

I have yet to find anyone who doesn't think this - I don't think I suggested anywhere that I saw Brady leaving the Patriots... just simply pointing out that it seems like a case could be made in extending Brady in 2010 before Manning and Rivers get their deals extended and they inflate the market

I'm assuming that no one is extending anyone until 2010 - which of course could be an uncapped year

 

[JoeSixPat]

Big Ben is signed through the 2015 season.
Brady through the 2010 season.
Eli and Rivers through the 2009 season.

DOB
Brady - 8/3/77
Rivers - 12/8/81
Eli - 1/3/81

I think that if Brady signs an extension in 2009 it would have to take into account
1.) that the Patriots are assuming two years of the injury risk factor
2.) that he is 3 years older than Eli and 4 years older than Rivers.
3.) that he is coming off a season-ending injury. The other two are not.
4.) that it will probably be cheaper to tag Brady in 2011 than it will be to tag Rivers or Eli in 2010

That's what I get for trusting KFFL for correct info! KFFL - 2010 NFL Free Agents

I can't imagine what the scenario would be for an extension in 2009 - I thought we were tight against the cap as it was and there'd be no real savings from extending Brady in this last year of the CBA

I'm simply wondering whether it might make sense to re-sign Brady quickly in 2010 before Manning and Rivers get their deals done and inflate the marketplace... especially if its an uncapped year.

I hadn't even contemplated the possibility of Belichick tagging Brady - yes it would be cheaper for a year but I'd tend to think they want to keep Brady happy.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I agree we should get it done asap, but I don't care to speculate on what the amount will be. On one hand, I wouldn't be surprised if he played for less to give the Pats more cap room to put talent around him. OTOH, I don't expect that and wouldn't be at all surprised if he became the highest-paid QB in the league (which he's earned the right to be). Whatever he wants, I pretty much assume he's going to get it.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

Count me as a FORMER lifelong Patriots fan if the Patriots EVER allow Tom Brady to play for another NFL team. I don't care if O'Connell is the next Tom Brady. As long as Tom wants to play, he should play as a Patriot. I think what 49ers did with Montana was shameful, even if it was the right thing to do. Brady (and Montana) earned the right to decide when they were ready to hand the reins over to the next QB of the Patriots (49ers).

Former lifelong??? What, are you 18?? If Brady leaves, so be it. If you're a Patriots fan, then you stick with the team no matter what. Which is what most of us here have done. Im guessing you werent around for the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. Its ok though. There's really nothing wrong with being a BRADY fan. Just don't confuse it with being a PATRIOTS fan

With that said, Brady (barring injury) will retire a Patriot. No need to worry

 

[BradyFTW!]

Former lifelong??? What, are you 18?? If Brady leaves, so be it. If you're a Patriots fan, then you stick with the team no matter what. Which is what most of us here have done. Im guessing you werent around for the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. Its ok though. There's really nothing wrong with being a BRADY fan. Just don't confuse it with being a PATRIOTS fan

With that said, Brady (barring injury) will retire a Patriot. No need to worry

I'm actually not so sure that he will retire a Patriot. Not that I think he won't, but if Belichick ever decides that it would benefit the team to go in another direction, and Brady didn't want to retire, I think Belichick's track record has proven that he would trade him/let him go. I don't think it'll happen, and if it did it would be my saddest day as a Pats fan no question, but I'd still be a Pats fan afterward.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Former lifelong??? What, are you 18?? If Brady leaves, so be it. If you're a Patriots fan, then you stick with the team no matter what. Which is what most of us here have done. Im guessing you werent around for the 70's, 80's, and early 90's. Its ok though. There's really nothing wrong with being a BRADY fan. Just don't confuse it with being a PATRIOTS fan

With that said, Brady (barring injury) will retire a Patriot. No need to worry

100% ditto on point one. Saved me from writing the same thing.

90% ditto on point two. The Pats have never paid top dollar for anyone at any position, so if Brady wanted top dollar, he'd probably have to go elsewhere. While none of us out here can know what he does or will "want," here's my guess after observing and listening to Tom Brady for these past eight years. No special knowledge or insight claimed, just based on what I've observed.

I think he'll want to be paid what he's worth; I also think he'll take a (small) discount to stay with the Pats and Belichick's program. So, assuming that BB hangs around as "HC of the NEP" for the next six years, I think Brady would "settle" for being one of the top three most highly paid QB's; not the top, but I don't see him accepting anything that puts him outside the top three. As far as I can see that would mean a guaranteed $40--45 million over five years with the usual "upsides."

The above, of course, assumes that he returns at his old form. The Krafts are not owners who hand out "thanks for the memories" contracts.

As for the timing, I think the Pats will get it done as soon as they have evidence that he's "still playing like Tom Brady." I don't see them repeating the Asante mess, this time with the Franchise QB. To me, that means sometime this season.