BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The 2020 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis this week, and while the primary focus of the event is to assess the upcoming rookie class, it is also a place where representatives for active players can meet with their current teams to discuss future plans.
When it comes to Tom Brady, it appears that is exactly what may happen. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport said on the station's "Total Access" program Monday night that there are plans for conversation between the two sides.
"Though he's had some conversations with the Patriots, and his long-time representative Don Yee has as well since the Super Bowl, they real haven't gotten into any hardcore negotiations, it is possible that that begins here in Indianapolis. The two sides are expected to meet." Rapaport said, following up with: "This should be the starting off point for real dialogue over the course of the next month."
The Insider did note, however, that we should not expect a deal to be reached this week at the combine. The situation could stretch out until the legal tampering period begins on March 16, but it's a good sign if New England hopes to retain the quarterback's services.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic went into further detail on Monday about how he believes the negotiations between Brady and the Patriots will play out. Howe said in his mailbag column that Brady isn't trying to be the highest-paid player in the league or "set the market," and that as long as the Patriots show the quarterback respect—meaning making their offer in the same dollar amount area as the other teams—he will ultimately re-sign with the team.
Sports Illustrated Senior NFL Reporter Albert Breer wrote in his weekly column that he believes a key part in the Brady negotiations will be Brady himself sitting down in a one-on-one meeting with Bill Belichick to figure out how to make it work for both sides.
"Big few weeks coming for Tom Brady," Breer wrote. "After kicking this around with some people the last few days, here’s what I think should determine the Tom Brady Saga—a real, honest sitdown between the quarterback and his head coach. It hasn’t happened yet. Unless Brady has the appetite to go to Indy this week, it won’t happen during the combine either. But at this point, that’s what needs to happen."
Breer went on to say that isn't likely to happen this week, but also agreed with Howe that the negotiations won't come down completely to money.
The Patriots are reportedly interested in acquiring tight end Hayden Hurst from the Baltimore Ravens, according to a writer based in Jacksonville (the Jaguars are also interested in Hurst).
Hurst, 26, is entering his 3rd NFL season. Last year, the tight end caught 30 passes for 349 yards and two touchdowns, all numbers that were better than the entire position group posted for New England in 2019.
Any hopes for a Danny Amendola return to Foxborough have reportedly been squashed. The 34-year-old receiver has reportedly re-signed with Detroit on a one-year deal.
One of the more popular names mentioned as a target in the NFL Draft is LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss, Randy Moss's son. That's right, Tom Brady has been playing so long that former teammates' kids are entering the league.
The younger Moss was asked Tuesday morning what it would be like to catch a touchdown pass from the same guy who his father caught a single season NFL record 23 from in 2007. His response? "A dream."
The NFL Combine continues all week in Indianapolis.
WBZ NewsRadio's Dan Watkins (@DanWatkinsRadio) reports
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