Love him or hate him, it's hard to deny the notion that Tom Brady is one of the greatest NFL players of all-time. It's also very well-known that Brady and his New England Patriots front office have worked hand in hand over the past 17 years to ensure that he's compensated well, but in a manner that provides the team spending flexibility elsewhere. We'll take a quick look at the various contracts of Tom Brady, highlighting some of these maneuvers along the way.

The Rookie Contract 
Total Contract: $866,500
Actually Earned: $533,660
Brady was selected in the 6th round (#199 overall) back in 2000 out of Michigan University. He agreed to a 3 year $866,500 contract with New England that June, including a $38,500 signing bonus (he's since averaged $723,511 per game played over his career to date). After barely seeing the field in 2000, Brady was thrown into the fire in Week 2 of the 2001 season after starting QB Drew Bledsoe was carted off with a concussion. 15 years later, he still hasn't given the starting job back.

First Extension (2002)
Total Contract: $34,000,000
Actually Earned: $19,012,680 
The Patriots quickly paid Brady like a franchise starting QB, signing him to a 4 year $30.145M extension through 2006. The deal included a $3.5M signing bonus and a $6M option bonus over the first two seasons. Brady rewarded the franchise with Divison Titles in 2003, 2004, AFC Championships in 2003, 2004, and a Super Bowl victory in 2004. Brady agreed to convert a total of $7.64M in 2003 & 2004 salaries, which became guaranteed cash in hand. 

Second Extension (2005)
Total Contract: $60,100,000
Actually Earned: $54,515.500
With two years and $14.5M remaining on his first extension, the Patriots and Brady agreed on a 4 year $42.8 million new money extension. The deal included a $14.5M signing bonus (not a coincidence) , and a $12M second-year option bonus. Brady restructured $5.28M of his 2007 salary into bonus, guaranteeing that as well. With his career at a peak, Brady suffered a season ending knee injury early in on in 2008. It's the only year since 2003 that the Patriots haven't won the AFC East. Brady and the Patriots bounced back in 2009, after which another extension was put in front of him.

Third Extension (2010)
Total Contract: $72,000,000
Actually Earned: $48,250,000
With a lockout looming in 2011, Brady and the Patriots agreed to a substantially front-loaded extension that included $16.5M in 2016 cash and $19.75M in 2011 cash ($10M of which came in the form of deferred signing bonus, which wouldn't be affected during the lockout). In 2012 Brady agreed to convert $10.8M of his salary and roster bonus into signing bonus, guaranteeing that cash in hand while clearing a whopping $7.2M in cap space for New England, an important move with the league now under a hard salary cap. With a whopping $34M remaining on his contract through 2014, the Patriots and Brady came to agreement on another deal. It was at this point that the two sides appeared to come to an understanding of how Brady's compensation needed to be structured going forward. 

Cap-Friendly Extension (2013)
Total Contract: $61,000,000
Actually Earned: $37,000,000
The Patriots tacked on an additional three years to Brady's previous deal, with $27M in "new money" included. The new structure handed Brady a whopping $30M signing bonus to go along with low, manageable base salaries ($1M in 2013, $2M in 2014 all guaranteed). By structuring things this way, Brady's cap figures remained under $15M during this contract, allowing flexibility for the Patriots elsewhere. The deal also included a clause that if Brady was on the roster at the end of the 2014 season, his remaining $24M in salary through 2017 would become fully guaranteed. Not only was he on the roster, but he was on the field for the last day of the season, as the Patriots won their 4th Super Bowl.

Guarantee-Free Extension (2015)
Total Contract: $27,000,000
Actually Earned: $8,000,000
However, in what can only be explained as a "cautious move", the Patriots agreed to a new deal with Brady that added a $1M raise in each 2015-2017, but in turn removed all full guarantees. At 38 years old it's understandable why New England felt the need to protect themselves from a $24M guarantee (and with Deflate-Gate to come, it became even more important to keep things simple contractually). However Brady would only play out his $8M 2015 season before a new deal came about.

Suspension-Friendly Extension (2016)
Total Contract: $60M
Earned Thus Far: $28M 
With a suspension stemming from "Deflate-Gate" looming, the Patriots did Brady a bit of a favor, signinig him to a 2 year $41M new money extension (through 2019), that included a $28M signing bonus, bure maybe more importantly, dropped his base salaries in 2016 & 2017 from $9M/$10M to $1M/$1M. On the previous $9M salary Brady was set to forfeit $529,411 per game missed. He now forfeits "just" $58,823 (a total of $235,292 for his 4 games suspension). As in the previous deal, none of Brady's base salaries are fully guaranteed, leaving only the $28M signing bonus as guaranteed cash. He carries ridiculously low cap figures of $13.7M and $14M though 2017 before things raise to $22M in each of 2018 and 2019 when he'll be 42 years old.

Quarterbacks

Tony Romo, Cowboys
Romo suffered a compression fracture in his back in the third preseason game, and is hopeful to return to the Cowboys Week 8. The strong play of rookie Dak Prescott could allow Dallas to bring him back more slowly. Contractually Romo has $54M left to be earned through 2019, $14M of which comes next season and none of which is currently guaranteed. However he'll enter 2017 with $19.6M in dead cap, $5M of which comes from his signing bonus, $14.6M from contract restructures in 2014 & 2015.


Robert Griffin III, Browns
The Browns seemed pleased with the potential upside RG3 was bringing to their offense before he fractured a bone in his left shoulder during a Week 1 loss to the Eagles. He signed an incentive-laden 2 year $15M contract this offseason, including per-game bonuses of $46,875 (which won't be paid out while on the injured list). Next year Griffin holds a $6M base salary and a $750,000 roster bonus due on the third league day of 2017. If the Browns decide to move on before that bonus is paid they'll incur a $1.75M dead cap to their 2017 salary cap.

Josh McCown, Browns
The news continues to get worse in Cleveland, as backup QB Josh McCown suffered what is believed to be a serious shoulder injury in Week 2. The 37-year-old's $4.375M salary in 2016 is already guaranteed, and he's slated to make the same in 2017, including a $750,000 roster bonus in early March. Cleveland can move on from McCown next offseason with a dead cap hit of $666,667. 

Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
Bridgewater and the Vikings were on many experts "must-watch list" heading into the season before he suffered a horrific knee injury in practice last month. With the acquisition and nice start from Sam Bradford, Bridgewater's long-term status may be in question. He'll comeback in 2017 on a fully guaranteed $2.1M cap figure, and a 5th year option available in 2018 should Minnesota exercise it. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, Patriots
Garoppolo sprained his shoulder against the Dolphins in Week 2, and his status for the upcoming week is in doubt. The Patriots second round pick in 2014 is signed through the 2017 season with a cap figure of $1.1M.

Running Backs

Adrian Peterson, Vikings
The Vikings took another huge blow to their roster Sunday night when Peterson hobbled off the field with a ligament-damaged right knee. The 31-year-old running back and his $12M cap figure appears headed for another year on the sideline. Should he recover, Peterson is slated to earn $18M in 2017, including a $6M roster bonus due on the 3rd league day of 2017. He's at best a candidate for a restructured contract, and at worst possibly a cap casualty heading into next year. 


Doug Martin, Buccaneers
Off to a slow start in 2016, Martin pulled up with a lame hamstring in the second quarter during a blowout loss to Arizona Sunday. While he was able to return on a limited basis, it remains unclear how significant the injury is heading into Week 3. Martin signed a 5 year $35.75M extension this offseason, including $15M guaranteed. His $7M salary for 2017 is already guaranteed, but is also the only dead cap left on the remainder of the contract, leaving Tampa Bay with the option to restructure the deal with very little reprocussions going forward. 


Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
Like Martin, Stewart exited Week 2 early with a hamstring issue and his status is unclear going forward. The 29-year-old is earning $5.75M in 2016 and is slated to reel in $6.25M in 2017, the final year of his 5 year $36.5M extension. Should Carolina look to move on from him after 2016, Stewart will leave behind a manageable $3.5M in dead cap.

Arian Foster, Dolphins
Foster appeared to be back in form after a nice first week with the Dolphins, but he exited week 2 early with a groin issue and his status is unclear from here out. The 30 year old long-time Texans back signed a 1 year $1.5M contract this offseason that included a $400,000 signing bonus and per game bonuses of $13,437 that wouldn't be paid out if he's not active. He'll likely hit the open market after 2016.

Danny Woodhead, Chargers
With Keenan Allen (ACL) already out Chargers fans certainly didn't need to see Danny Woodheaded carted off the field this weekend, but an apparent knee injury led to just that. The 31-year old underrated weapon is in a contract year with San Diego, earning a modest $2M salary. He'll be an interesting free agent should he be allowed to hit the market next March.

Ameer Abdullah, Lions
The versatile back left the Lions' week 2 game with an apparent foot injury and is now in a walking boot. The 2015 second round pick  is in year two of his rookie contract and carries cap figures of $1.1M and $1.3M through 2018. 

Wide Receivers

Keenan Allen, Chargers
Allen's 2016 campaign ended just as it started after he tore his right ACL in week 1. He's now had major injuries to both knees, leaving his health a major concern heading into 2017. The Chargers signed Allen to a 4 year, $45M extension this offseason that included  $20.6M in full guarantees. His $1M base salary and $5.5M roster bonus for 2017 are already guaranteed, leaving his roster spot in San Diego very secure for at least one more year.


Donte Moncrief, Colts
Quickly becoming Indianapolis' best wideout, Moncrief suffered head, neck, and shoulder injuries in their week 2 matchup against the Broncos, leaving his status going forward unclear. The 2014 third round pick is in year three of his rookie deal, and is a prime extension candidate this coming offseason.

Stevie Johnson, Chargers
The Chargers first blow this season came to Stevie Johnson, who had meniscus surgery this August and will miss all of 2016. He's earning $2.9M this year and is slated to reel in $3.5M in 2017, the final year of his contract. The Chargers carry a $1M dead cap hit should they move on next offseason.

Tight Ends

Brandon Pettigrew, Lions
Pettigrew injured his ACL back in December of 2015 and has yet to fully recover. He's currently earning $3.65M in 2016, and is set to make $4.35M in 2017, the final year of his contract. The Lions can (and likely will) move on from him incurring a dead cap hit of $1M next offseason.

Benjamin Watson, Ravens
The Ravens continue to find bad luck at the tight end position, with last year's serious injury to Dennis Pitta, and now a season-ending torn ACL for Ben Watson. Watson signed a 2 year $7M free agent contract in Baltimore this past offseason, including $4M guaranteed all in 2016. He's set to make $3M in 2017, with a cap figure of $4M, and can be released with a dead cap hit of $1M. 

Defensive Players

Ezekiel Ansah, Lions
The #5 overall selection back in 2013 left the Lions' week 2 game with an apparent ankle injury. He's currently in year four of his rookie deal, with a $12.734M exercised fifth-year option for 2017. A healthy productive finish to 2016 makes him a prime extension candidate this offseason 

Earl Mitchell, Dolphins
An essentially brand new Dolphins front line took a hit in week 1 when Earl Mitchell was lost with a calf injury. While it's still possible he's designated to return after Week 8, he carries a $3.5M cap figure in 2016 and a $4.5M hit in 2017, the final year of his contract. Mitchell holds a modest $500,000 dead cap hit in 2017 should the Dolphins look to move on.

DeAndre Levy, Lions
Levy was inactive for the Lions' week 2 matchup and has now missed 16 out of their last 18 games with a hip injury. While his short-term status going foward is unknown, he's clearly not holding up to the 4 year $33M extension he was awareded last offseason in Detroit. His $5.25M salary for 2016 is fully guaranteed, and $1.75M of his $5.75M 2017 salary guarantees on the 3rd league day next March. The Lions can move on from him prior to that with a not-so-nice $7.2M dead cap hit.

Matt Elam, Ravens
The former 1st round pick back in 2013 has been a veritable bust for the Ravens, now finding himself on the injured reserve list for the second consecutive year, this time with a salary cap figure of $2.1M. Baltimore already declined his $5.6M option for 2017, meaning Elam will most certainly hit the open market next March. 

Related: Track Resrve/Injured players by team, position, or ailment here

As Andrew Brandt has been known to say a few times a year "deadlines spur action". Drew Brees and his agent (Tom Condon) gave the Saints until the start of Week 1 to come together with an agreeable extension for the 37 year old future Hall of Famer, and they did just that - with a few days to spare.

The Saints signed Brees to a 1 year $24.25M extension on Wednesday, combining for $44.25M cash over 2016 & 2017 - all 100% guaranteed. The deal comes in the form of a $30M signing bonus, a $1M salary and already earned $250,000 workout bonus this year and a $13M salary next year. In essence, what the Saints have done here is signed Brees to a cheaper version of next year's QB Franchise Tag - with added protection (Brees carries a no trade clause, and cannot be franchise tagged in 2018 per language in his new contract). 

Related: View the breakdown of Drew Brees' contract extension


Cap Figures
Brees started the week carrying a whopping $30M cap hit into the 2016 season - tops in the league. The structure of his extension drops that figure down to a very manageable $17.25M in 2016, then jumps up to $19M in 2017. His 2016 cap figure accounts for 11% of the Saints overall salary cap as of now.
 

How Does it Rank

• Brees' $24.25M  annual average per the new money extension ranks 3rd in the NFL (Luck, Palmer). 
• His $31.25M in Year 1 Cash ranks 6th among active contracts
• His $44.25M in 2-Year Cash ranks 8th

Related: View all NFL Salary Rankings


Voidable Years
Structurally the Saints got a bit creative, tacking on three extra years to the contract for matters of spread out the cap hits of the signing bonus. By doing this, the $30M bonus only counts as $6M in allocation cap per season. The contract itself will void after the 2017 season (most likely 5 days after the Super Bowl), making Brees eligible for free agency prior to the 2018 league year. In doing so, this leaves the Saints with a not-so-friendly $18M dead cap hit (the three remaining years of signing bonus allocation). This $18M will hit their 2018 salary cap all at once. 


Going Forward
Drew Brees will be 39 by the time this contract voids, so it's not a guarantee that he'll see another contract past this one. But if he's producing at a starting QB level still, it would behoove the Saints to extend him prior to the voiding of this current contract. By doing so, the Saints can keep the $6M in signing bonus allocation in each year - those allocations simply transfer into the new deal. This not only keeps their QB under contract, but avoids that $18M dead cap hit all at once. 

Related: View the Saints Current Salary Cap

One of the stranger transactions this past weekend came from the Baltimore Ravens, who shockingly released projected starting running back Justin Forsett prior to the 53-man roster deadline. After further review, the move appears to have simply been a logistical one.

The plan involved safety Matt Elam OR defensive end Carl Davis, both of whom are injured, but also both candidates for short-term injured reserve. However in order to designate a player to STIR, they must remain on the 53-man roster for 1 league day (Sunday).

So in order to keep both on the roster through Sunday, the Ravens' needed an extra slot. This came from the release of Justin Forsett, who as a vested-veteran did not need to clear waivers. They had already agreed to re-sign him, as they've since done, after placing Elam & Davis on IR Sunday afternoon. The Ravens can now designate one of those as their STIR players as Week 1 nears.

Forsett meanwhile was re-signed to his identical 2 year, $6M contract, with salaries of $3M in each of the next two seasons. In terms of cap hits all is exactly the same, as his $700,000 in signing bonus allocation converted to dead cap instead of active cap. He still account for $3.7M in cap space in each of 2016 and 2017. And as a "thank you" for accepting this ordeal, the Ravens threw in a $100,000 bonus should he gain more than 640 rushing yards this season.

It's a neat example of how GMs can get creative come this time of year.  

Tyrod Taylor has only suited up 14 games for the Buffalo Bills, but he did enough in that span to gain their trust as their QB for the near future. Intial reports state the Bills and Taylor have agreed to a 5 year $92 million (base) extension in theory, but with structure is really only a 2-3 year contract.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that only the first year of the contract is fully guaranteed at signing, with the remainder of the deal a "prove-it" structure, likely rolling guarantees (see Colin Kaepernick). Tim Graham of the Buffalo news reports that the final two years of the deal are club options, giving the Bills full control of the backend of this contract should they require action. 

In other words, all signs point to this being a very team-friendly contract for the Bills, and a not so player-friendly deal for Taylor. With limited time as a starting QB (and a mobile one at that), the 27 year old former 6th round pick brought plenty of red flags to the negotiating table. But Brock Osweiler's $18M per year deal ($37M guaranteed at signing) with the Texans should have become a model for Taylor heading into this discussion. 

That being said, the reported contract provides Taylor with a deserved raise from his previous $3M salary for 2016, now locked in at a new money average salary of $18.4M. It's likely that the contract includes a fairly sizeable signing bonus, as well as a sizeable roster/option bonus in the 2nd year (that the Bills can prorate for cap purposes over the remainder of the 6 year contract.

Without confirmed breakdown details it's generally hard to speculate on contracts, but all signs point to the Bills rewarding their starting QB with cash in hand, while protecting themselves as best they can with their current cap space struggles, and potential need to move on from Taylor should he not pan out by 2018.

We'll update this article and all relevant Bills' pages as details come in.