Report: Kraft, Patriots Ready To Address Tom Brady’s Contract ‘If It Becomes An Issue’
Tom Brady is signed with the Patriots through 2019. There’s reportedly no issue with his contract right now. But if it becomes one, Robert Kraft says he’s ready for it.
Kraft spoke exclusively to Jeff Howe of The Athletic for the first of a two-part interview. Tuesday’s story focuses on Brady’s contract situation.
Right now, Kraft doesn’t see much of a situation at all. But even if one came up, he doesn’t sound worried that the Patriots and Brady couldn’t get another extension done.
“He’ll be 41 when the season starts,” Kraft said of Brady. “Neither side has an issue with it. If it becomes an issue, we’ll deal with it.”
Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 to win Super Bowl XLIX. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Brady last signed an extension with the Patriots before the 2016 season, when he tacked on two years to an existing deal that had him signed through 2017. Based on history, this offseason would be about the time that Brady would again lengthen his deal with the Patriots.
As Howe noted, Brady counts for $22 million against the cap with just a $14 million salary in 2018 and 2019 – so there’s also an opportunity to restructure Brady’s deal, close that gap, and keep both sides happy.
A source tells Howe that Brady would “most certainly entertain contract negotiations,” which should quiet any concerns that the quarterback is suddenly changing his long-term outlook on his football career. But it also sounds like both sides are comfortable with the contract the way it is right now, and possibly going year-to-year from here on out.
For now, the important thing is there appears to be no issue on either side in this particular case.
However, Kraft’s comments seem to allow for the possibility that it becomes one. The line “I hope he plays” is cryptic and probably deserving of further context. But even if Brady’s contract does become an issue, the owner feels confident about the Patriots’ ability to accomplish what needs to be done.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
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