Robert Kraft talks Tom Brady signing contract to retire with Patriots
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to sign the recently retired Tom Brady to a one-day contract so that Brady can retire as a member of the organization.
“I’d do it tomorrow,” Kraft told CNN hosts Don Lemon and Poppy Harlow on Thursday morning, as shared by Mike Dussault of the Patriots’ website. “Not only do I want it, our fans are clamoring for it and to us, he always has been and always will be a Patriot…We’ll do everything we can in our power to bring him back, sign off as a Patriot and find ways to honor him for many years to come. He did so much to bring life and good cheer to our community and he’s a beloved figure and he’s earned the respect and love that people feel for him like no other athlete in our town and we’ve had some great ones.”
Brady, of course, entered the NFL when the Patriots took a flier on him via pick No. 199 in the 2000 draft. The product of the University of Michigan ultimately became the greatest New England player in history and guided the franchise to six Super Bowl titles before he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, where he earned a seventh championship ring.
After Brady temporarily retired last February, the Patriots refuted early reports about a possible retirement ceremony involving the all-time great. Brady then announced on March 13 he was returning to the Buccaneers for another campaign.
Whatever went down between Brady and New England head coach Bill Belichick years ago, both made it clear this past fall they hold each other in high regard. As Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio explained, though, Brady being able to hit free agency on March 15 doesn’t necessarily mean the Patriots can honor the signal-caller this spring.
New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees announced his retirement in March 2021, but that transaction didn’t become official until three months later to save the Saints some salary-cap space. The Buccaneers likely are looking to reduce the $35.1 million salary-cap charge attached to Brady’s contract for 2023.
“I just love the guy so much and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him and I think he can do a lot of good things for America and reach out to a lot of people,” Kraft added about Brady. “Thank you for the time you gave us and everyone here in the New England region loves you and respects you and wants happiness for you in your life.”
Assuming Brady truly is “done-done” with his playing career, he may find it fitting to end that portion of his life where it began roughly 23 years ago.
