This news is going to enhance the idea of the Patriots Way, but is it really Brady being loyal to the Patriots for being loyal to him?
According to Adam Schefter, Brady just freed up $24 million for New England to use in free agency.
In a deal turned into NFL today, Tom Brady restructured his contract to give NE $24 million more in cash to spend this winter, per sources.
Under the new deal, Brady changed the $24 million in “skill” guarantee to only “injury” guarantee, meaning that Brady now would get the guaranteed money only if he were injured. Brady also now can be released from the Patriots without any liability, but he then would become an unrestricted free agent, free to command the type of guaranteed money he has agreed to surrender. This frees up cash for the Patriots to use on other players. New England needs the cash to help re-sign some of its own free agents such as Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, Nate Solder and Shane Vereen, amongst others.
Brady restructuring his deal essentially gives the Pats an extra $24 million in cash to immediately spend, instead of placing in escrow for Brady in case of injury.
Brady is coming off another excellent year, throwing for 4,109 yards, 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions while leading the Patriots to the top seed in the AFC in this year’s playoffs.