So, let's suppose the Pats only offer Brady 10 million dollars next year, no incentives or signing bonuses, etc. (or some other similar really low-ball offer), because, as you say he's 43, and they know he isn't going anywhere. However, this pisses Tommy off. He elects not to take the Pats' paltry offer and announces since he is not yet 45 (the age he has repeatedly said he's going to play until), he intends to test the free agent market. The Patriots either have to franchise him (I think someone said in this thread that will cost the Pats $34 million) or let him test the market. They'll never pay that for the 43 year old going nowhere, right? The Jets (the Giants? Buffalo? Miami? all of them have sucky QB situations now and could fit the bill; how about the Texans? Tennessee? Detroit? All have mediocre QBs and past Pats coaches/players who have worked with Tommy) give Tommy a call on the first day of free agency and offer to make him the highest paid QB in the NFL, with a two year contract and every penny guaranteed. He doesn't have to learn a new offense - he can bring the O that he has used with the Pats to their team and they will hire the offensive coordinator of his choice. Giselle is pissed, but she could live with Miami or New York for 2 years.
Will it happen? No. Could it happen? You say absolutely not - you're delusional! He'd retire before he went anywhere else! But I say, if the Pats play too much hardball, you can never say never. That's why they won't play too much hard-ball, low-ball with him. They know what they have (not to mention they know what they DON'T have [a successor waiting in the wings]), and they know how hard they can push. They also know there are plenty of teams out there (heck, all you need is one) that would do this just for the chance to catch some Brady magic.