Even so, his salary this season will free up an additional $5.5 million for the Patriots to spend on other players, ESPN reported. Brady, who has played his entire career for New England, can also become a free agent at the end of this season, though he is unlikely to move teams. Brady told reporters on Monday that the clause is just an acknowledgment that the careers of N.F.L. players tend to be decided year to year.

“It’s really the reality for most guys in the N.F.L., I don’t want to think I’m any different than anyone else,” Brady said. “Football is a tough business. It’s a production business. I’m ready to go this year, and that’s really what matters, and that’s where my focus is. It’s a unique situation I’m in — 20th year with the same team and 42 years old. Pretty much uncharted territory for everybody, and I’m going to go out there and be the best I can this year and see what happens.”

A Patriots spokesman said he had no information about Brady’s contract. Brady’s agent declined to comment.

Though he was born during the Jimmy Carter Administration, Brady is not the oldest player in the N.F.L. That distinction goes to Adam Vinatieri of the Indianapolis Colts, who is 46. Matt Bryant, who last played for Atlanta and has gray in his beard, also is older than Brady.