When Logan Mankins, long time New England Patriots offensive lineman, was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for tight end Tim Wright and a future draft pick, people began to wonder who wasn’t safe from Bill Belichick’s chopping block. Some even speculated whether Tom Brady could end up as one of the many Patriots who, after years of service with the organization, was
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But while a cut or trade seems rare considering what Brady has done for the Patriots, he thinks there’s a possibility of it occurring:
"“Absolutely. Absolutely,” Brady said. “This is the NFL. It’s happened to everybody, so why would I not think that would happen to me? Hopefully a team could value what I bring to it, and then you try to go out there for as long as you can and do it. But if a team doesn’t see that, the NFL is supply and demand. That’s what it’s always been.”"
To further his point, Brady used past examples of notable players who, after years with on franchise, was forced to another due to unconventional circumstances.
"“I’ve been very privileged to play for this team, so my focus is on this year,” Brady said. “There comes a time for a lot of people. Michael Jordan played for the Washington Wizards. Who would have ever imagined that? Joe Montana played for the Chiefs. Randy Moss, one of the great players ever, played for (five) teams.”"
For the Patriots, there have been many who was forced elsewhere due to different issues: Deion Branch after winning Super Bowl MVP, Ty Law, Richard Seymour (traded to Oakland), Randy Moss (traded to Tennessee), and most recently, Logan Mankins.
If that day was to ever come, it won’t be soon. Brady is still one of the top 3 to 7 quarterbacks in the league (depending on whom you ask) and the Patriots–if they bounce accordingly back from their 0-1 record–are one of the many Super Bowl contenders in the league.
But in ‘x’ amount of years when Brady drops in the ranks as a quarterback, there’s no telling what’ll happen. It’ll be interesting to see though.