New England Patriots: Agent expects Tom Brady to play
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is expected back for the 2018 season according to his agent.
There has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the New England Patriots this offseason. There have been discussions about the future of the team, as some prominent players have been contemplating stepping away from the game.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski is not showing up for the early offseason workouts. There have been rumors that he is contemplating retirement. His body has taken a beating over the years, and his numerous injuries are evidence of that.
While there hasn’t been an official announcement, Gronkowski is expected to return to the team. Until it becomes official, fans will be on edge thinking about whether their most dominant player will be on the field next season.
While they wait to hear definitively from Gronkowski, Patriots fans can at least rest easy knowing Tom Brady will be under center once again.
More from Musket Fire
- What trading Mac Jones during the draft can do for the Patriots
- Best and worst draft picks during the Bill Belichick era
- Early round Patriots draft picks you’ll hate now, love later
- Musket Fire Roundup: Our own final predictions for round 1
- Breaking down the Patriots’ options in the 2023 NFL Draft
Like Gronkowski, rumors swirled that Brady may be considering retirement as well. Last week when their offseason training began, Brady was not there. He was in Qatar on business, but his absence still raised some eyebrows.
Then, a report surfaced that he had not yet committed to playing in the 2018 season. The report said that there was a 75 percent chance of Brady coming back, which left a decently sized chance that he would call it quits.
Now, that report can be put to bed, as Brady’s agent, Don Yee, said he expects his client to be on the field and ready to go for the 2018 regular season.
"“Tom’s intentions have not changed,” Yee said Monday. “He’s consistently said he’ll play beyond this contract and into his mid-40s, or until he feels he isn’t playing at a championship level. I understand the constant speculation, but this is one point he’s been firm about.”"
New England has undergone some major changes this offseason, such as Matt Patricia leaving his post as defensive coordinator to become head coach of the Detroit Lions. Multiple important players also left in free agency. Losing Brady would have been a significant blow that the team is not prepared for.
Yee continued to ease the Patriots and their fans, saying that Brady is training every day.
"“He customizes his preparation to each season in order to maximize his performance,” Yee said. “His training methods are always evolving and getting better. The year he missed the first four games — that month of training on his own was particularly efficient.”"
This is excellent news for New England and their fans. There really isn’t a contingency plan in place had Brady decided he was going to retire. Jimmy Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers prior to the trade deadline last season, leaving Brian Hoyer as the only quarterback currently on the roster.
Next: 10 Greatest Quarterbacks In Patriots' Franchise History
While Brady will return for at least one more season, finding a long-term replacement is near the top of the Patriots to-do list. Could that be one of the areas the team addresses in the NFL Draft this week? We will have to wait and see!