Patriots Rumors: Tom Brady Contract Extension Not 'On the Horizon at This Point'

Although Tom Brady is entering the final year of his deal with the New England Patriots, an extension beyond the 2019 season "[isn't] on the horizon at this point," according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Brady deflected questions about his contract status when asked by reporters in June: "That's none of your business. I've never really talked about my contract or anything like that so I don't really want to start doing that now."

Although Brady turns 42 on Aug. 3, he has yet to experience a significant decline on the field. He threw for 4,355 yards, 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and helped lead the Patriots to their sixth Super Bowl.

The 14-time Pro Bowler will of course have to retire at some point, though. Rather than signing an extension, it would make sense for him to handle the twilight of his career on a year-by-year basis. It's impossible for him to know how he's going to feel physically after a 20th season or beyond in the NFL.

That approach would make things a little more difficult for the Patriots as they put together an eventual succession plan.

Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal reported in April that New England "has not ruled out the possibility that Brady could retire after this season, especially if he wins another Super Bowl."

Jimmy Garoppolo's Patriots tenure is an example of how tricky it can be to have a long-term strategy at quarterback. Garoppolo spent three years in New England as the starter-in-waiting before the team basically had to trade him elsewhere since he didn't have a clear path to take over for Brady.

At this point, the Patriots probably have a contingency in place for their next steps when he finally hangs it up for good—regardless of how much warning he provides.