Robert Kraft's "Hope and Prayer" Is Tom Brady Stays With the Patriots

For the first time in his NFL career, 42-year-old Tom Brady is going to be a free agent.

And, while it seems unthinkable that he’d play for a team other than the Patriots, there is a real chance he could leave New England this offseason and sign with another team.

Asked about the possibility of Brady leaving prior to New England’s wild-card loss on Saturday to the Tennessee Titans, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said it was his “hope and prayer” the veteran quarterback would return to play for the Pats.

“I’m thinking of all that, of all the quarterbacks who went elsewhere, and I just hope and believe that Tom … he is so special that he’s earned the right to do what’s best for him,” Kraft told NBC Sports’ Peter King. “But I just hope and pray we fit into his plans. He is unique in the kind of leader he is, his work ethic, his selfless nature, everything. Think about it: He’s been with us 20 percent of the life of the NFL.”

Regardless of what Kraft wants, where Brady plays next season is up to him as he demanded the Patriots include a clause in his contract that prohibits the team from using the franchise or transition tag on him this offseason.

Because of that, Brady is free to sign wherever he wants and, while he has consistently said he playing for the Patriots and Kraft, he has not said he plans to return to the team.

If Brady were to leave, he likely would have a number of options including the Chargers, Colts and maybe even the Bears, according to King.

He also has another potential landing spot: Las Vegas.

“Jon Gruden’s favorite quarterback is always the one he doesn’t have,” King writes. “No clue if he’s remotely interested, but my antennae would be up for the Raiders and Brady.”

NFL free agency begins on March 18.

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