Stephen A. Smith & Max Kellerman Take Tom Brady’s Side In Contract Debate

Tom Brady has been one of the most underpaid quarterbacks in the NFL and he definitely deserves more. However, is it good business to sign a 42-year-old player to a contract extension?

That’s what the New England Patriots are currently trying to figure out.

Brady is entering the final year of his current deal, and there have been some speculations that he and the Patriots have yet to work out an extension. And that, unsurprisingly, has led to additional debate.

“First Take” co-hosts Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman discussed the issue Thursday morning.

“Tom Brady has had New England’s back, let’s be very very clear about that. Restructuring his deals, taking pay cuts, taking less money, he’s done all of that. And, oh by the way, at 42 years of age this Saturday, he is the starting quarterback for the reigning Super Bowl champions,” Smith said.

Kellerman: “I’m pro-Tom Brady in this circumstance. Tom Brady has always worked with the Patriots to renegotiate his deal. … But, at a certain point, he deserves to be rewarded for that. So, it is foul for the Patriots or for anyone to question Tom Brady about his contract or to make him play it out.” 

Take a look:

Brady has also addressed the issue.

“Have I earned it? I don’t know. That’s up for talk-show debate. What do you guys think? Should we take a poll? Talk to Mr. Kraft, c’mon,” Brady said with a smile after a full-pads practice. “No, like I said, we’ve got a great relationship. So we’ll see how it goes.”

“I’ve had such a great experience over a lot of years, and I appreciate this team and the opportunity it gave me in 2000. I play for a great coach, coach (Bill) Belichick, and Josh (McDaniels) and I have a great relationship. I love Mr. Kraft and his family,” Brady said. “We’ve had incredible success. So hopefully we can keep it going.”

There’s no denying that Brady has every right to be paid more than any other football player, but contract negotiations often are all about timing and this time, Brady’s timing might be off.