Patriots Rumors: Tom Brady, NE Had 'No Negotiation' Before QB Announced Exit

The New England Patriots and Tom Brady reportedly had "no negotiation" about a new contract before the quarterback announced Tuesday he's going to leave the franchise in free agency. 

Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston reported the update and noted the Pats' lack of urgency to discuss a deal "spoke volumes" to Brady.

In January, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said "nobody respects Tom more than I do" after the team's playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, but he refused to address potentially re-signing the legendary QB.

"I'm sure there are a lot of questions about the future. Nobody has thought about the future," Belichick told reporters.

Along with New England's laissez-faire approach to the quarterback's impending free agency, the team's inability to surround him with high-end talent last year was likely also a factor.

Brady's numbers dipped in 2019, including his lowest passing touchdown total (24) since 2006, in large part because of a mediocre supporting cast both in terms of targets and offensive-line protection.

Now the 42-year-old University of Michigan product has the potential to transform a fringe playoff hopeful into a legitimate championship contender by signing as a free agent.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have offered Brady deals of $30 million or more annually. The Miami Dolphins are a potential sleeper team in the sweepstakes, per Pro Football Talk.

Meanwhile, the AFC East race feels wide open for the first time in nearly two decades following an extended run of division dominance by the Patriots.

The Buffalo Bills, who are set to acquire star wideout Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, may emerge as the new favorite, but the Dolphins could wrestle that title away if they sign Brady, who'd then match up with the Pats at least twice during the 2020 campaign.

Although the NFL's balance of power had already started to shift toward Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Tuesday's news marks the official end of the Brady-Belichick dynasty.

The future Hall of Fame QB can sign with a new team as early as Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET when the new league year gets underway.