Tom Brady renegotiated his contract with the New England Patriots, making his future salaries below market value in a move that was intended to give the franchise more financial flexibility.

The departure of Wes Welker to the Denver Broncos, even though it meant they would sign Danny Amendola was a large surprise within NFL circles.

Brady and Welker are close friends and had developed a remarkable rapport.

"He's got so much pressure on his shoulders now — again," said one person close to Brady. "If the offense doesn't perform at a high level, they're screwed. This is unbelievable. It's hard not to feel like they've sold him out."