Robert Kraft Credits Tom Brady for Restructuring Contract, Developing Team in Free Agency

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Mar 22, 2012

Robert Kraft Credits Tom Brady for Restructuring Contract, Developing Team in Free Agency FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots owner Robert Kraft commended quarterback Tom Brady for restructuring his contract, and he credited that financial decision toward helping the team sign a number of free agents over the last week.

"I think we're blessed to have the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL," Kraft said Thursday during a Camp Sunshine community event at Gillette Stadium. "But let's also remember when he restructures his deal, he's getting a big bundle of cash up front. But it is helping us create cap room. I think it's a win-win all around. I think we brought in some interesting players here that hopefully can help us be a better team and let us try to do some things that we couldn't do as well last year."

Brady's restructured deal reportedly saved the Patriots about $7 million against the cap during the 2012 season. In the last week, they've added wide receivers Brandon Lloyd, Anthony Gonzalez and Donte Stallworth, tight end Daniel Fells, offensive lineman Robert Gallery, defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene and Trevor Scott, cornerbacks Will Allen and Marquice Cole and safety Steve Gregory.

The Patriots are also trying to reach a contract extension with wide receiver Wes Welker, so the extra cap room could potentially help in that area.

Yet, Kraft said the Patriots are "in the business of quality depth management," and made it sound like the restructured deal would help them build a much deeper squad to protect themselves from a drop-off in the unavoidable event of injuries.

"I do think we have really improved our team," Kraft said. "I really believe that. I think Tommy receiving a little wad of cash upfront also helped us."

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