Tom Brady Close to Deal with New England Patriots

One of the most successful quarterbacks of the last decade seems to be close to a deal with the only NFL team he's ever known.

According to reports, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are close to a multi-year contract that would keep the quarterback at the helm of the New England Patriots.

Brady has been known in the past for taking less money so that his team could use the funds to acquire better players. During that time, the Indianapolis Colts gave their quarterback Payton Manning a six year, $98 million deal in 2004.

Brady is entering the final year of his contract and feelings between the player and management have been strained. Ironically, Manning is also in the last year of his contract and Colts ownership has publicly stated that they will do whatever it takes to keep Peyton in a Colts uniform and the highest paid player in the league. With the possibility of a strike next season, both players would like to get a deal done well before that possibility becomes a reality.

A three time Super Bowl champion, Brady is coming back from a serious knee injury opening day two years ago. Most experts say that his type of injury usually takes two seasons to fully recover from. Even so, Brady passed for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns last season.

Discussions between the two sides have focused on a three to four year contract. It is estimated to be around $20 million a season. Brady's previous contracts were for four years; the Patriots right now are talking about three years. Both sides are being tight lipped about all negotiations. However, final details may be worked out before the Patriots opening game this season against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sources:

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/09/07/report-tom-brady-on-verge-of-contract-extension-with-patriots/

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5542616