Tom Brady Restructures Contract...Again

You know Tom, just when I think you couldn't possibly be any cooler, you go and do something like this.

AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF!

It would appear that Tommy B has once again opted to restructure his contract in order to free up roughly $24 million in cap space for the Patriots to use this winter. Under the new deal, Brady's guarantee has changed from the "skill" variety to the "injury" variety, which means that Brady is only guaranteed money if he gets injured and is unable to play. The Patriots also now have the ability to release Tommy B (stop it, Alec. Just stop it) with zero liability, making him an unrestricted free agent who can command the guaranteed money he agreed to surrender elsewhere. It's a gamble for the Patriots in that they are on the hook for a lot of money if Brady goes down, but seeing as he takes care of himself so meticulously that he has his fitness and diet plans scheduled out for the next four years, I'd say it's a fairly safe bet.

The move also frees up some much needed money that New England can use on its own free agents, not the least of which are Shane Vereen, Devin McCourty, and Darrelle Revis. Interesting that this news comes on the same day Woody Johnson made it known that he'd very, very much like to have Revis back.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go add another page to my court approved I Love Tom Brady scrapbook.

EDIT:

Mike Reiss explains what this all means.

Miguel Benzan offers another take.