In theory, Tom Brady's contract extension was supposed to quell speculation about his future with the New England Patriots. Instead, the events of this summer have done the opposite.
Brady signed a two-year, $70 million contract extension with the Patriots earlier this month that in practice makes him a free agent following the 2019 season. He also happened to put his Brookline, Mass., home on the market days later.
So, is that a sign the 42-year-old quarterback may consider leaving the only team he's ever played for? In an interview Wednesday on WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show," ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that's at least a possibility.
"If it's me just looking at it from the outside -- I'm just reading the signs, right?" Schefter said. "His home is for sale. He's on a contract that voids. It's just saying that this has the potential, one way or another, for this to be his last season in New England."
Schefter insisted he was just speculating and added he wasn't aware of any "discord" between Brady and the Patriots in contract negotiations. But if Adam Schefter the NFL Fan is reading the tea leaves, Brady's future is worth monitoring.
"Let me repeat that: His home is for sale. His contract voids," Schefter added. " ... I'm just telling you, the elements are in place for it to be (his last season in New England). I'm not saying it will be. But isn't that odd, all those things? Doesn't it make you go, 'Hmm, that's interesting?' It makes me go, 'Hmm, that's interesting.' "
New England Patriots
Schefter then made an interesting analogy to LeBron James' initial exit from Cleveland to join the Miami Heat in 2010, noting that there were several signs that hinted James may leave the Cavaliers.
"Sometimes it's just these little things that you just look at, right?" Schefter said. "I don't know anything more than we all know right now. But you just look at it sometimes, and you say, 'Well, something is afoot here.'
" ... I'm not telling you I'm right. I'm just telling you, look at the signs. The signs suggest something is going on. That's all."
The noise about Brady's future should quiet down once real football begins in Week 1. But after his 20th season ends? It sounds like all bets are off.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.