Tom Brady’s contract with Bucs is fully guaranteed and blocks franchise tag
More details are out on Tom Brady’s two-year deal with the Buccaneers. It’s the kind of commitment he wasn’t getting in New England.
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots makes his way off the field following the Patriots’ 19-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at an NFL football game on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
Brian Blanco/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
More details are out on Tom Brady's two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, thanks to Adam Schefter.
It's a two-year agreement with a base value of $50 million - fully guaranteed. He can get up to $59 million if he hits another $4.5 million per year in incentives. Those aren't publicly known yet, so it's unclear how likely Brady is to earn them.
But the important thing here is the fully guaranteed $50 million. That is most certainly way more than the Patriots (read: Bill Belichick) would have been willing to do with their final offer to Brady last summer. That's the number that shows the Bucs are committing to Brady for two years, no matter what.
Adam Glanzman/Getty ImagesFOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 24: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Interestingly enough, the deal also blocks the Bucs from trading Brady or giving him the franchise tag after 2021. This is an indicator that, like this offseason, he wants to be able to explore the open market one last time and give teams another chance to bring Brady aboard for his swan song at age 45.
Since he's in Tampa Bay, where the Bucs led the league in passing yards last season under air-it-out head coach Bruce Arians, Brady is very likely to put up some serious numbers in a Bucs uniform. He definitely doesn't lack weapons.
He doesn't lack money or commitment, either.
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.
