Getty Negotiations between Tom Brady and the Patriots will begin soon.
When will Tom Brady and the New England Patriots start contract negotiations? According to Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston, it’ll happen very soon.
As Curran notes in his latest article, both sides will start negotiating a new contract in a couple of weeks. In fact, Curran states that it’ll likely happen during or after the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine which starts Sunday, February 23 and ends March 2, with on-field work from February 27 through March 1.
So where do things currently stand? After conversations over the past few days, this is my understanding of where things are.
Negotiations will begin “in a couple of weeks.” I interpret that as during or immediately after the NFL Combine which starts about February 26 and concludes March 1.
Brady More Worried About Personnel Than Salary
Because Brady is still technically under contract with the Patriots, New England has had more than a month to discuss a new contract with their franchise quarterback. However, as Mike Reiss of ESPN noted over the weekend, that hasn’t happened yet.
Curran goes on to mention in his article how the Patriots aren’t worried about other financial deals that other teams will offer on the free agency market. They are more concerned with adding the proper offensive personnel around Brady for the 2020 season.
Patriots Don’t Appear to Feel Threatened
Curran’s evaluation of the situation is noteworthy and makes it sound as if New England really isn’t worried about Brady walking away from the Patriots in free agency, per NBC Sports.
My understanding is that the Patriots aren’t worried about other team’s financial pitches. Their business with Brady revolves around the direction of the 2020 offensive personnel, Brady getting some input on that and Brady’s role in the team’s future. They aren’t going to be super-vigilant about tampering.
Something worth noting is there is very little rancor right now. The situation is what it is. The sides are going to work to make it work. Why they are here, what could have been done to avoid this, who’s right, who’s wrong, who’s to blame? I’m not sensing it.
There have been reports in recent weeks that the Patriots are willing to offer upwards of $30 million to keep Brady in New England. However, there has also been a recent report that the Las Vegas Raiders are willing to offer a two-year, $60 million deal to lure the former MVP to the franchise. Both situations remain complete question marks and Brady is yet to address either.
It’s becoming abundantly clear, however, that Brady is more worried about having the proper weapons rather than a pay increase.
The Patriots and Brady are finally about to sit at the negotiating table. While there’s a lot to be hashed out, it’s becoming clear that a topic of concern is the offensive personnel that New England will surround Brady with during the 2020 season.
In other words, money is becoming a secondary issue.
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