The clock is ticking for the New England Patriots to work out a new deal with Tom Brady before the six-time Super Bowl champion hits free agency, but the two sides have yet to make any progress.
There has been “no movement” in contract negotiations between Brady and the Patriots, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported on Sunday. While Brady said after the season that there have been open lines of communication between him and the team, the two sides have yet to talk specifics and have not exchanged any financial figures.
The biggest issue with Brady’s impending free agency could be that 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, it’s 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.
If Brady does plan to return to the Patriots, there’s 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 Brady’s top priority as he heads into his age-43 season.
The Patriots reportedly believe only one team is a true threat to sign Brady away from them, so they may not be all that concerned about having a decision from Brady before March 18. But at some point in the coming weeks, there will likely be at least preliminary contract discussions. If not, that is probably a bad sign for fans in New England.
