Little is known about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his latest two-year extension, but there haven't been any indications that Brady would be looking to increase his income beyond his 3-year, $27 million deal that was set to expire after the 2017 season.
So with that baseline in mind, we can assume that Brady's average salary per season over the length of his contract will be $9 million per year (APY), or somewhere in that range. It doesn't really matter- he's a bargain at two-times the price.
The Eagles just signed quarterback Sam Bradford to two-year deal valued at $35 million, or a ridiculous $17.5 million APY. Bradford isn't qualified to hold Brady's clipboard, but he's making nearly twice the salary. When you look closer at the numbers, you actually find that Bradford is receiving the 16th largest average per season of NFL quarterbacks.
Yes, Brady is paid well below average for his position, never mind his unparalleled production.
It seems that Brady's set to earn the 22nd largest average salary for the 2016 season if no other contracts take place. That's nearly impossible to expect.
The Jets are hoping to sign free agent quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to an extension, which is expected to sit around $11 million APY, according to Spotrac, but will more likely be closer to Bradford's $17.5 million APY mark in reality.
Additionally, the Colts are entering the final season of Andrew Luck's contract and the two sides are in the midst of negotiations that will make Luck the highest paid player in the league. That's inevitable.
Just those two contracts will push Brady down to being the 24th highest paid quarterback, but there could be even more movement.
The Broncos have a decision to make with quarterback Peyton Manning ($17 million APY) weighing against the books and free agent Brock Osweiler (probably licking his chops at the Bradford contract). While there's a chance Manning will retire, some expect Peyton to sign with either the Rams or Texans for the upcoming season for one last hurrah.
The Bills are also entering a contract year with Tyrod Taylor, who could be in line for some serious cash with another solid season.
There's a very possible scenario where Manning goes to the Texans (leaving Nick Foles in charge of the Rams), Osweiler starts for the Broncos next season, and Taylor receives a new contract
In this world, Brady would likely be earning the 26th most at the position, ahead of rookie contract players like Blake Bortles, Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Jameis Winston, and Marcus Mariota, and then whatever player the Browns find to lead the roster (Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, come on down!).
It's increasingly likely that Brady will be on the cheapest contract for any veteran starting quarterback for the 2016 season. And they wonder why the Patriots are able to compete every year.