Moments ago, Patriots owner Robert Kraft addressed the media in Phoenix, Arizona. Here’s a look at the highlights:
- Apparently, Tom Brady isn’t going anywhere. “As recently as two or three days ago, he assured me that he’d be willing to play another six or seven years,” Kraft said (Twitter link via Albert Breer of The MMQB).
- Kraft says that he hopes Malcolm Butler returns to the Patriots for 2017 and that the team’s intention is not to trade him (Twitter link via Nick Underhill of The Advocate). Butler, a restricted free agent, has discussed contractual terms with the Saints and the two sides apparently far off. An unmatched offer sheet from the Saints would result in New Orleans’ No. 11 overall pick going to New England. Of course, that’s a steep price to pay and the Saints are reportedly unwilling to go that far to land the cornerback. The possibility of a sign-and-trade with lesser compensation could be in the cards, but right now the Pats are acting as though they want Butler back.
- When asked about the possibility of trading quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Kraft deferred that decision to coach Bill Belichick (Twitter link via Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald).
It’s going to be interesting to see how the Garoppolo thing plays out. Who knows how long TB will really play for. I know Kraft considers Brady like a son, which he should considering all TB has done there. His below market contracts have been one of the main cogs to their roster depth and success. The Pats still have 26-27 million in cap space. They could very well roll it over to next year and franchise JG if they truly believe he’s their next QB. That’s a lot of $$ to be tied up in one position though. If not I would squeeze as much out of Cleveland as I could for him now. The Browns have some serious draft picks the next two seasons.
BB and company have some tough choices to make. It likes like they’re well prepared to go either way.
“…If not I would squeeze as much out of Cleveland as I could for him now. The Browns have some serious draft picks the next two seasons.”
OK, #52 this year and a conditional 4th next year that can become a 3rd if he re-signs with the Browns before next free agency period and can become a 2nd if he meets certain playing time and statistical thresholds. That’s as much as you are going to “squeeze out” for him now.
That might not be far off the mark. Given that he was a second round pick, #52 is a good starting point. I can see it happening for two 2nds this year and 3rd next.
It’s tough to speculate because we don’t know how Cleveland values JG.
The Pats played the Saints
Yep
Tom Brady is not #12 anymore for the pats… he plays for the Bill’s