The Patriots could have more control over Tom Brady's future than some would believe.
According to ESPN, which cited unidentified sources familiar with the situation, New England still has Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick to offer, making the Patriots potentially more appealing than free agency as the veteran quarterback prepares to enter an offseason of uncertainty.
"Never underestimate Robert Kraft," one source told ESPN.
The source added: "I can tell you this: The working relationship with Tom and Bill (Belichick) right now is terrific."
Brady is in his 20th season with the Patriots and the 42-year-old has said he wants to keep playing into his mid-40s, but he agreed to a revamped contract through the 2021 season in August that reportedly included voidable years in 2020 and 2021.
Unless he reaches another extension with New England, Brady is set to become a free agent after this season, leaving many to question whether he will decide to just hang his helmet after his record-breaking career.
"One day I will wake up and I will feel like, ‘OK, that will be enough.’ When that day comes, that day comes," Brady said on WEEI radio in Boston earlier this month.
"I don’t know if it will be after this year. I don’t know if it will be five years from now. I don’t have to determine those things right now, either. That is kind of a good part of where I am at. Just take advantage of the opportunities that I have this year and do the very best I can do and then those decisions come at probably more appropriate times."
Brady moved to third on the NFL's all-time passing yards list in Week 5 after surpassing Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre (71,838). He's thrown for 1,992 yards with 11 touchdowns this season while the Patriots have outscored their opponents 223-48 through the first seven weeks of play.