Tom Brady Has a Ton of Leverage in Patriots Contract Talks

The New England Patriots are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to a certain quarterback's contract situation.

After Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round, the Pats need to re-evaluate their roster heading into the 2020-2021 season. That includes the situation with quarterback Tom Brady. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Brady holds all the leverage in contract talks and it becomes a matter of whether or not he wants to come back to New England.

Brady has a ton of leverage in contract talks. Pats would eat $13.5 million in dead cap money if he’s unsigned when FA starts.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) January 5, 2020

If the GOAT were to remain unsigned heading into free agency, the Patriots would have to eat $13.5 million in dead cap space, which is absolutely brutal for an organization still wanting to compete.

This leaves head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft with one of the toughest decisions in sports if Brady does decide that he wants to keep playing football. Either they sign him to a one-year deal to be their quarterback next season if they do not believe that current rookie quarterback Jarrett Stidham is the answer, or they sign him to a one-year deal and trade him to a potential contender in the offseason. Trading him, though? Not likely.

Tom Brady also said it’s “pretty unlikely” he’ll retire this off-season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2020

Brady himself doesn't believe that he is going to retire, so both of these things need to happen if he is to be a Patriot next season: Brady wanting to remain in Foxborough and Belichick wanting him back.

Brady had a down year, there's no denying that. That being said, he is still a solid quarterback and could help the Pats back to Super Bowl contention next year if New England brings in some help for him.

Do not count a 42-year old Tommy out yet.