Well, we're not making the playoffs. Pretty sure we can all agree on that. Short of running the table, it's just not going to happen and...we're not going to run the table. Not that I wouldn't LOVE for that to happen, but it's not.
So, something happened earlier this week or last that really struck me.
Brady's people let rip. I think the Logan Mankins trade was the last straw. Brady has had less input into the offense and feels less a part of this new team than ever. As well, Brady has given at least half of what he could make up so the team could sign key players only for the team to let them go for minimal amounts. Wes Welker was let go for what amounted to $1M. The Patriots keep refusing to pay OL and Brady's starting to take hits. Now, I've hated on the Pats for a long time, but I've admired Brady for two things... his competitive nature and his willingness to put team first. You didn't see Peyton Manning giving back $10M per season so that the Broncos could be more competitive, but Brady essentially did. Brady only makes less than $10M per. That's ridiculously low for a top 5 QB. Even at his age, I'd only put Rogers, P Manning and Brees ahead of him.
So, Brady's pissed. So much so that we got one of those pieces from a reporter that you get when someone wants to get the information out with deniability. Basically, short of Robert Kraft getting involved and re-anointing him, Brady wants out.
Which creates a fantastic opportunity for the Rams.
If the Pats falter as it looks like they will, especially given their lack of depth and mounting injuries, then Brady will either be out of the playoffs early or miss them altogether. And this Rams team is really just missing that franchise QB.
According to Spotrac, Brady's dead money if he were traded from NE would be $18M. That's a lot, but hey, the Rams without Chris Long are essentially playing with around $27M if I did my math right (prolly not, but I'm in the ballpark). $18M is a lot of dead money, but if they go with their rook and move on without Brady, they'd still be making out in the deal considering how much they didn't pay him over the years...
Either way, my question would be this? Do we draft a guy or potentially go hard for Brady and see if he can't be had? I'd rather have Sam as a backup to a future first ballot HoFer with Austin Davis as our 3rd string. Now that's solid depth at the QB position. That gives Sam time to really heal his leg as well as to learn behind a legend and work on mechanics and touch.
I for one would love to HARD after Brady if, in fact, Brady is really this dissatisfied with Belicheck and the new OC and just wants out.
Seems crazy, but I thought the idea of Jeff Fisher coaching the Rams was crazy a few years ago. Loony tunes. Now he's here. With Britt and Quick and Bailey and Austin, as well as 3 solid RBs and two solid pass catching TEs, Brady would have more weapons here than he's EVER had in NE.
Dream a little dream....and all that....