i was waiting for this thread...actually looked for it after the jets game, so i'm impressed by the restraint that was exercised until now
come on, it's five games...
but, i think the bottom line is that the answer to your hypothetical, premature, really unanswerable question (note the qualifiers) would be "no." i don't think the Krafts are going to give anyone a "thanks for the memories" blockbuster contract. However, I fully expect Brady to show by November that he warrants that kind of huge deal....
this is all an argument, BTW, for why players shouldn't take a hometown discount on any contract; the NFL is a place where a career can change or end any day on the practice field or playing field. i don't like Eli or Peyton very much, but I don't begrudge them at all taking the money when they could get it. these guys are all in the entertainment business with a set of skills that rapidly diminish with time. they should get every penny they can when they can get it.