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Related: About this forumReport: Patriots want an answer from Tom Brady before free agency
Tom Brady is now one month away from becoming a free agent for the first time in his Hall of Fame career, and there has been a lot of talk about him meeting with other teams and seeing what offers are out there. If he does that, however, he may be effectively bidding farewell to the New England Patriots.
Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports that Bill Belichick and the Patriots football operations people want to know Bradys intentions before the official start of free agency. If Brady drags the situation out, it would place New England at a major disadvantage with being able to sign other players.
The Patriots would have to absorb a $13.5 million dead salary cap charge if Brady is not on the roster when the 2020 league year begins on March 18. That is the same day teams can begin signing free agents, so things could get complicated if Brady is committed to visiting with other teams before making a decision. Although, there is a legal tampering period beginning on March 16 where players can negotiate with teams. If Brady does end up returning to New England, its possible he could speak with other teams in the two days before the official start of free agency and then still sign with the Patriots before the start of the new league year at 4 p.m. on March 18.
It makes sense that the Patriots want to know Bradys intentions before free agency, as they dont want to incur an unnecessary cap charge and/or be left without a viable replacement option. If Brady does plan to return to the Patriots, theres no need for him to put them at a disadvantage with their salary cap situation. That would make it more difficult for New England to spend money on other players, and having an improved supporting cast is likely Bradys top priority as he heads into his age-43 season.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-patriots-want-an-answer-from-tom-brady-before-free-agency/ar-BB107Lfq?li=BBnba9I&ocid=hplocalnews
Dyedinthewoolliberal
(15,485 posts)it seems from what I read here the Patriots want Tom to bargain against himself. There is no reason to tell the Pats his plans except that t benefits the Pats and doesn't help him. From a negotiating point of view Tom should not tip his hand.
Iggo
(47,486 posts)bluedigger
(17,077 posts)He's not playing for money, so New England remains his most viable path to the SB.