Tom Brady agreed to a new contract with the New England Patriots on Sunday, but despite initial appearances, it’s not really an extension.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Brady’s new contract automatically voids on the final day of the 2019 league year, and includes a provision prohibiting the Patriots from using the franchise or transition tag on him.
Sources: #Patriots QB Tom Brady’s new deal includes a provision that does not allow NE to franchise or transition tag him for the 2020 season. The final two years automatically void on the last day of the 2019 league year, but he cannot be tagged. Brady will be a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 5, 2019
That explains why Brady would only say he is “secure for this year” when asked about his new contract on Monday.
Tom Brady on if he has concerns beyond this season about his new contract? #Patriots #WBZ @WBZ pic.twitter.com/wkX3ZTMqz6
— Dan Roche (@RochieWBZ) August 5, 2019
In other words, this is more or less a restructure that will allow the Patriots and Brady to assess the situation on a year-to-year basis. That was the point of some of the other provisions as well. It’s intriguing, and it means Brady’s contract situation will have to be addressed by the Patriots after the season regardless of the new deal, but it’s still impossible to believe he’ll ever play for any other team.
