Patriots reportedly willing to pay Tom Brady $30+ million, but he prioritizes better weapons around him

Earlier this week, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady caused a stir on social media when he posted a cryptic black-and-white image of him either entering or exiting Gillette Stadium. The post blew up in large parts because its vague nature generated considerable speculation about Brady’s future and whether or not the impending free agent would be willing to leave New England after 20 seasons and six world championships.

While it remains to be seen what happens over the next six weeks, Brady and the Patriots reportedly already have some general ideas about the upcoming contract negotiations: according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the team might be willing to pay the soon-to-be 43-year-old more than $30 million per year to stay in New England. Brady, meanwhile, apparently has another priority and wants to see the Patriots adds some offensive talent.

The future Hall of Famer reportedly “wants to see the team spend on some weapons” to improve an offense that struggled mightily down the stretch in 2019: with Julian Edelman and James White as the only really reliable pass catchers, the Patriots failed to consistently move the football through the air and eventually were bounced from the playoffs in part because of their inability to challenge the Tennessee Titans with the passing game.

If Brady is indeed not looking for $30+ million per season, the Patriots would be more flexible to add weapons to an offense that currently has Edelman, N’Keal Harry and Mohamed Sanu as the top three wide receivers and White as its main receiving back. Top tight ends like Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper or Eric Ebron might be on the team’s radar in order to fulfill Brady’s wish for an improved offensive skill position group.