Reports: Tom Brady to sign two-year extension with Patriots that makes him sixth-highest-paid QB in 2019
Will Tom Brady play until he’s 45 years old? Well, he’s at least shooting for 44. The Patriots quarterback is signing for two more years in New England.
Feb 5, 2019; Boston, MA: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady waves to the crowd and shows the number six with his hands during the Super Bowl LIII championship parade through downtown Boston. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAYBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Will Tom Brady play until he's 45 years old? Well, he's at least shooting for 44. Brady is signing a two-year contract extension with the Patriots that will keep him signed through the 2021 season.
Field Yates of ESPN was first to report on Sunday that the Patriots and Brady were finalizing an extension. Adam Schefter later shed more light on the structure and terms of the deal, reporting that Brady will get an $8 million raise to $23 million in 2019.
That makes Brady the sixth-highest paid quarterback in the NFL this season. However, Schefter added that despite the extension being for two years, Brady and the Patriots will adjust his contract from year to year for as long as he continues playing.
Brady turned 42 years old on Saturday. He's famously said repeatedly in the later stages of his career that he wants to play until 45. But clearly, he's willing to take it year-to-year with the Pats from here on out.
Reality should start setting in now: any season could be Brady's last.
Matthew Emmons/USA TODAY SportsFeb 3, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with daughter Vivian after beating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The good news, though, is that the Patriots have built a Super Bowl-caliber roster around Brady. Their depth on defense, the offensive line, and in the running game make them one of the elite rosters in the NFL.
They may have a little more work to do at wide receiver and tight end. But if first-rounder N'Keal Harry turns into a high-end weapon for Brady, they'll be in good shape there too. There's at least upside to depend on at that spot.
Brady should have enough of a team around him for the next three years. We'll see how capable he is of adding to his Super Bowl ring collection, and how long he wants to keep going for them.
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.
