Tom Brady's back, building connections a bit later than normal

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When wide receiver Jordan Matthews was deciding among free-agent offers in March, there was a significant factor that tipped the scales in favor of the New England Patriots.

His name is Tom Brady.

The chance to catch passes from and develop a rapport with Brady was one of the driving forces behind Matthews' accepting a modest one-year deal with New England that he could have trumped elsewhere.

Fellow receiver Kenny Britt has a similar story. When he was released by the Cleveland Browns in December, he had a chance to earn a larger paycheck elsewhere, but he elected to come to New England on a two-year deal. One of the big factors in his decision was the chance to play with…