As it turns out, the Patriots are willing to pay top dollar to keep Tom Brady. However, it’s not just about the money.

According to the NFL Network, the Patriots are prioritizing Brady and are willing to pay him “in excess of $30 million per year to keep him in New England.” That’s significant money and would align Brady with the top paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Money is a start, but not all that matters to Brady. According to the report, if the 42-year-old returns to the Patriots “he wants to see the team spend on some weapons.”

The Patriots offence clearly lacked some punch last season and Brady was visibly frustrated. The team tried to add receiver Antonio Brown, but that didn’t last long. The Pats also started the season with Demaryius Thomas and Josh Gordon, but neither finished the year in Foxboro. The Pats also spent a first-round pick on receiver N’Keal Harry and then traded a second rounder for Mohamed Sanu. However, injuries set both players back.

The NFL Network also reported that the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be among the teams in pursuit of Brady, who’s set to become a free agent on March 18. The Chargers already have a handful of talented offensive players — receivers Keenan Allen (1,199 yards) and Mike Williams (1,001) and running back Austin Ekeler (557 rushing yards, 993 receiving).

On top of that, Brady also wants to continue working in his TB12 facility (he has one in Foxboro and another in Boston). Per the report, he would want a new team that would allow him to “incorporate TB12 in their footprint” and the Chargers reportedly would have that capability.

Another team to watch for is the Tennessee Titans, who have to decide if they want to bring back quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Brady is friends with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. According to ESPN, the Oakland Raiders are also expected to pursue Brady.

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