Manning wasn't washed up when he was let go, it would be the exact same situation with Tom: A can't miss college QB is available for the Pats, they get him and prepare for the future rather than waiting for the inevitable father time to catch up to Tom as it has for every single player that's ever played any sport.
In context of your question, i'm pretty sure anyone would be over the moon to have a 40 year old Brady over someone like Smith, Gabbert, Ponder etc.
Manning had a neck injury that might have ended his career. Being that he's with a comparatively crap organization, they dumped him and took a dive to get the top pick, two things I don't think our organization would do, at least without some respectful consultation.
I've had enough of this, believe what you will. I see your from England, so you didn't get it, but for someone who has or had homes in Boston and New York and a mansion in California, Missouri is not "closer" to his home despite what a flat map would tell you.