In the past, quarterback Tom Brady signed a contract extension when he has two years remaining on his contract. In 2016, the 40-year-old Brady signed a two-year contract extension worth $41 million, including $28 million in signing bonus, enabling the Patriots to keep him through the 2019 season.
Brady is set to earn $14 million in each of the next two seasons before he turns unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season. However, Brady has yet to sign a contract extension this offseason, fueling rumors that 2019 could be his last year in the NFL, per Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com.
Hannable said the reason why Brady has yet to sign a contract extension is unknown. Brady could still be upset about the reported tension with the team, especially after coach Bill Belichick stripped his personal trainer/close friend of some team privileges, including staying on the sideline during games and joining team flights.
According to sources close to the team, the tension, if left unsettled, could create a strain in Brady’s relationship with Belichick. Earlier, it was reported that Belichick was planning to talk to Brady after Super Bowl LII to iron out their differences and start fresh in 2018. Without a contract, rumors will persist that Brady could retire after the 2019 season.
Brady plans to play until he’s 45
Midway through last season, Brady declared his intention to play until he’s 45 years old during a meeting with team owner Robert Kraft. In turn, Kraft ordered Belichick to trade Brady’s backup, Jimmy Garoppolo. The order left Belichick dismayed as he was planning to start Garoppolo in the near future.
Despite his opposition to the move, Brady shipped Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2018 second-round pick. The move left the Patriots without a backup quarterback that could eventually take over when Brady retires. After Garoppolo was traded, the Patriots signed veteran Brian Hoyer as a backup quarterback, but he won’t be part of the team’s long-term plans.
The Patriots are expected to take a quarterback at some point in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Brady says the family will be a factor in the decision to retire
In an interview with ABC's Good Morning America, Brady said the family would play a big factor in his decision to retire. Brady said his family is growing and he would need more time for them. However, Brady said he’s focused on the commitment that he has given to the Patriots, who lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
