The decision of the Patriots to add veteran quarterback Matt Flynn last week made plenty of sense. If Tom Brady will miss even one game, coach Bill Belichick and company will need a competent backup to Jimmy Garropolo.
At first blush, the move seemed potentially expensive, given the ability of any vested veteran (i.e., a player with or more years of service) on the Week One roster to collect the balance of his salary as termination pay. For Flynn and the Patriots, it potentially would have meant $950,000 for a one- or two-week rental, if Brady’s suspension is reduced but not eliminated.