New England Patriots fans are desperately searching for any sign that Tom Brady does not plan to abandon them and suit up for another NFL franchise in 2020, and Robert Kraft provided a glimmer of hope this week during an exchange with a reporter on the street.
A TMZ reporter asked Kraft on Tuesday if the Patriots are going to be able to keep Brady in New England. Kraft easily could have avoided the question, but he instead shouted “we plan to” before getting into the back of an SUV.
While that probably doesn’t mean much, Pats fans could interpret it as a positive sign that Kraft chose to respond. Or, it could simply be that Kraft wants fans in New England to know he is trying to keep Brady, and it will have been Brady’s decision to leave if the 42-year-old winds up with another team.
Ultimately, Kraft will probably defer to Bill Belichick. Brady has two or three seasons left in him, whereas Belichick could coach for another 10 years or more. If Belichick tells Kraft he wants to move in another direction, Kraft may listen.
For what it’s worth, Brady took some time this week to show appreciation for Patriots fans who are asking him not to leave. The issue is probably more about building a championship roster and less about money. If the Patriots can get Brady some more weapons, there’s no reason he should want to leave this late in his career.
