Patriots want to extend Tom Brady 3-5 years, Jimmy Garoppolo trade could be possible

The Patriots will work to extend quarterback Tom Brady’s contract this offseason, a move that would push the two-time MVP’s career well into his 40s. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport broke the news on Twitter Sunday morning:

Brady put together one of the finest seasons of his career in 2016 at age 39. Though his Deflategate suspension robbed him of four games, he still threw 28 touchdown passes and just two interceptions to set an NFL record for TD:INT ratio. The Patriots went 13-1 with the veteran behind center, advancing to Super Bowl LI in the process.

The key to his longevity comes from the meticulous way he cares for his body. Brady’s strict diet includes a wide array of organic foods, avocado ice cream, and absolutely zero strawberries.

He takes training so seriously he helped develop special $200 pajamas designed to help athletes’ recovery in their sleep. While his methods may be questionable, the results are not: He was one of the league’s top quarterbacks despite being the league’s oldest player at the position.

His consistency and longevity could spell the end of Jimmy Garoppolo’s tenure in New England. The third-year veteran boosted his profile after going 2-0 as a starter while Brady sat out due to suspension. He posted a 113.3 passer rating and showed off the solid decision-making of a starter, but he doesn’t have a clear path to playing time while sitting behind a future no-doubt Hall of Famer.

The Patriots have never been shy about trading away homegrown players when the price is right — last season saw the departure of Pro Bowlers Chandler Jones and Jamie Collins — and the right offer could make Garoppolo someone else’s franchise quarterback.

Brady, on the other hand, will play in Foxborough as long as he wants. If the two sides can come to an agreement, the Patriots will lock down the greatest player in franchise history well into his 40s.