Tom Brady contract extension likely, according to Robert Kraft

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with owner Robert Kraft after winning the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with owner Robert Kraft after winning the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has just one more year remaining on his contract, but team owner Robert Kraft indicated an extension is likely.

Could Super Bowl 53 be the last rodeo for Tom Brady?

The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer has so far staunchly denied any rumors of his retirement, win or lose, after the game ends on Sunday. He told ESPN’s Jeff Darlinton in a widely-circulated video interview that there was “zero percent” chance this Super Bowl would be his final game.

Even if he returns though, will the 2019 season be his last? Technically, Brady is only under contract for one more year with the New England Patriots. He’ll turn 42 just before the preseason gets underway, and though he’s previously indicated his desire to play until at least 45, winning a record sixth NFL championship this weekend could potentially alter his line of thinking.

For what it’s worth though, Brady’s boss – and the man most responsible for signing his paychecks – seemed extremely open to the idea of extending his contract beyond next season.

Robert Kraft bought the team 25 years ago, and during his time as owner and chairman, he’s absolutely flipped the script on how the rest of the world perceives his franchise. What was once considered one of the least successful teams in the AFC and the old AFL is now the gold standard for professional sports dynasties.

FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 01: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the sideline with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – OCTOBER 01: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the sideline with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

None of this is lost on Kraft. He knows how indebted Patriots Nation is to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, so he didn’t hesitate for a second when answering reporters’ questions Wednesday regarding Brady’s expiring contract.

“Think about it: The last three years we’ve been privileged to go to the Super Bowl with a quarterback in place. I would be quite surprised if he didn’t continue for quite a while as our quarterback.”

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Sounds like the very definition of a ringing endorsement.

Kraft is right though – why on earth would the Patriots try to move on from Brady after he’s quarterbacked the team to three straight Super Bowl appearances? Sure, the team could stand to invest an early draft pick in a young quarterback they’d like to develop as perhaps the future of the franchise. But for the time being, there are very few QBs in the league with Brady’s pedigree, ability, mental know-how, and penchant for winning.

Kraft and the Patriots would be wise to extend him for at least another season or two beyond 2019. Doing so would not only grant Brady the job security he desires with the only team he’s ever known; it would also allow New England more flexibility and salary cap relief now to restock and reload talent around Brady while the Super Bowl window’s still open.