New England owner Robert Kraft wants Tom Brady to retire with Patriots

Tom Brady (left) is currently under contract with New England through 2018. (John W. McDonough/SI)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is not getting any younger, but he has still been able to perform at a high level. Brady is under contract with New England until 2018, but if he still wants to play when his contract expires, could he be looking to play elsewhere?

When asked if Brady would be retiring as a member of the Patriots, team owner Robert Kraft was quick to express his optimism.

“I sure hope so,” Kraft said, via Tom Curran of CSNNE.com. “We did something creative; he was a visionary and he allowed us to restructure his contract in a way that was good for us. I know I personally and our whole fan base only want to see him always have that Flying Elvis [helmet logo] or Pat Patriot, if we’re doing throwbacks.”

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While the Patriots say they would like to see Brady retire as a member of the Patriots, some have questioned their decision to select Eastern Illinois signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft.

From New England's point of view, you can never be too prepared under center. The Patriots view Garoppolo as insurance and as a prospect who can continue to grow while Brady finishes out his career in New England.

“We believe that Tom has a lot of play left,” Kraft said. “The way he takes care of his body, the way he eats, the way he plays, the way he trains, people look up to him."