When the New England Patriots selected Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garopollo during the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft last weekend, questions were raised about the status of future hall of famer Tom Brady. Was Jimmy Garopollo drafted to become the heir to Tom Brady? Was he drafted to challenge/motivate Tom Brady? What will the Patriots do with Garopollo? What impact does drafting Garopollo have on the contract that Tom Brady is currently under?
The legendary New England signal caller heading into his fifteenth season, signed a three-year contract extension last season that potentially makes him a 'Patriots For Life', ensuring that he is a Patriot through the 2017 season, the year in which he turns 40 years old. The three year extension he signed during the 2013 offseason will pay Brady a $3 million signing bonus automatically, plus extra salaries of $7 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016 and $9 million in 2017.
Brady's cap numbers will add up to $28.6 million over the next two years, a savings of $15 million dollars.
Here is an inside look at the cap numbers of Tom Brady for the the next four seasons:
2014: (Upcoming Season) $14.8 million
2015: $13 million
2016: $14 million
2017: $15 million
The New England Patriots are trying to avoid the mistakes that the Indianapolis Colts suffered through during the 2011 season in which Peyton Manning had several major neck surgeries and the team went 2-14. If Tom Brady does not play beyond the 2017 season for New England, the Patriots believe Jimmy Garopollo may potentially become his predecessor.
With 2011 fourth rounder, Ryan Mallet, being subject to trade rumors over the past couple of months, Garopollo face the same situation that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers did, serving as a backup to veteran Brett Farve for three seasons and then taking over. What does the future of Ryan Mallet hold? What Impact does Mallet's future have on the Patriots?
Is this the last contract extension that Tom Brady will receive from the New England Patriots?
Is New England preparing for the future after Brady too soon?