The Brady Restructure — What It Means For Patriots
Matt LaPan, Go Local Sports Reporter
The Brady Restructure — What It Means For Patriots
The restructure does not change Brady’s salary cap number, but it did give him a $1 million raise annually. With the annual raise, Brady will now make $8 million against the cap in 2015, $9 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2017. The money is fully guaranteed against injury for the 37 year old Brady.
This is not the first time Brady has restructured his deal, however. Brady restructured in 2012, saving the Patriots $7.2 million in cap space. He they signed a three-year extension in 2013 that, according to reports from NFL Network’s Albert Breer, saved the Patriots over $30 million in cap space over the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
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What does all of this saved money mean for Brady and the Patriots? First, it means that the Patriots can use about $7 million to help pay bonuses to players in 2015. This could help the Patriots sign any of their big-name free agents. The list of pending free agents for 2015 include left tackle Nate Solder, running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley, safety Devin McCourty and most importantly, cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Paying For Revis
When Revis signed with the Patriots, he signed a 1-year deal worth $12 million with an option that would allow the Patriots to keep Revis for a 2nd season — but at an extremely high cost of $25 million against the salary cap. This option includes a base salary of $7.5 million and $12.5 million in roster bonuses that would have to be paid on April 1, 2015. The Patriots can use some, or all of the Brady money to create a “cap break” that would make Revis’ contract more manageable in 2015.
Money For McCourty?
The Patriots could also use this money to help re-sign their tar safety, Devin McCourty. McCourty has become one of the top safety’s in the NFL after moving there from cornerback. McCourty will be an unrestricted free agent in 2015 and will be one of the top priorities for the Patriots to re-sign.
The Patriots will continue to get money back on the Brady restructure for the next three seasons, meaning they can continue to use that money to re-sign other players as they see needed. So while Brady will continue to focus on the upcoming Patriots playoff run, his actions have already helped strengthen the Patriots for 2015.
Greatest Places in Providence to Watch Football
English Cellar Ale House
165 Angell St., Providence, RI 02906
Known on college hill as a great place to study and grab a bite to eat, English Cellar Ale House also has a wide selection of draft beers and a great many places to sit and still have a front-row view of your favorite team.
Ladder 133
133 Douglas Ave., Providence, RI 02903
This renovated firehouse is everything you could want in a sports bar: great atmosphere, great food and 30 televisions! Come watch every touchdown, and every let down at Ladder 133.
Photo: Ladder 133
The Ivy Tavern
758 Hope St.,Providence, RI 02906
Ivy Tavern has the perfect sports combination down: cold beer and scrumptious, hearty burgers!
Photo: Ivy Tavern
The Fatt Squirrel
150 Chestnut St., Providence, RI 02903
With stellar Yelp reviews, The Fatt Squirrel is a great place to be yourself, play some pool and watch the game with a drink in your hand.
Snooker's Bar and Grill
53 Ashburton St., Providence, RI 02904
Since 1989, Snooker's has hosted billiard tournaments, trivia nights and even celebrities like Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, Orlando Bloom, and Conan O’Brian. Moreover, Snooker's has a lively atmosphere to immerse yourself in when it's game time!
Photo: Snookers
Whiskey Republic
515 South Water Street, Providence RI, 02903
Weekday nights are low-key at Whiskey Republic, and opportune for the sports fan who values a good meal and a well-made whiskey drink to boot.
Photo: Whiskey Republic
G Pub
61 Orange St., Providence, RI 02903
The new kid on the block is Providence's G Pub. Described as ESPN-Zone-esque this pub features great food and a casual atmosphere to sit down and enjoy America's past-time.
Photo: G Pub
Rick's Roadhouse
397 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02903
Rick's Roadhouse projects the latest sports games up on their wall for an in-your-face experience... not to mention the tasty wings and appetizers you can chow down on while you watch your favorite team.
Union Station Brewery
36 Exchange Terrace, Providence, RI 02903
Union Station Brewery is a member of the John Harvard's Brewery and Ale House family and it's bar hosts many television screens for you to view each play as you enjoy some delicious pizza, burgers or even a steak.
Photo: Union Station Brewery
The Abbey
686 Admiral St., Providence, RI 02908
Sometimes you just need to get away from the bustle and noise of a large-scale sports pub. If a cozy, intimate setting and amazing food sounds right up your alley head over to The Abbey.
Photo: The Abbey
