Tom Brady’s actions will cost the New England Patriots his services for the first four games of the 2015 NFL season. In addition the Patriots will surrender a 2016 first round draft pick and 2017 fourth round pick as well as pay $1 million. While the money isn’t too much for a franchise that has dominated the NFL over the past decade and a half, the draft cost and lost playing time could hurt the Patriots as they hope to continue their consistent control over the NFL.
More importantly for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys, the start of the season just became a bit easier.