Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are entering the final years of their respective contracts. Brady’s status is a little more unsure than Manning’s. It’s been chronicled in the media that Brady doesn’t intend to hold out of training camp, but there are indications he won’t show up to to Gillette Stadium until the start of the regular season.

Brady has more championships, but Manning is more important player to his team. He won’t hold out. Brady can afford to hold out. Bill Belichick can afford to have Brady sit out. He’s not going to learn anything new about the team. Wes Welker is going to take part in most drills at wide receiver. That’s one of the most interesting elements of training camp for the New England Patriots. The other will be the hold out of Logan Mankins. Mankins not being around will provide reps for the rest of the Patriots back ups. It should be good in case the injury bug hits the Patriots offensive line. Brady is reaching Brett Favre levels and other veteran players that don’t need to show up to training camp.

The reason a deal hasn’t been done with Manning and Brady is because of the uneasy complications from the upcoming dispute between the players and owners. Listen, it would be a complete travesty if the NFL strikes again. It’s the best sports product in the U.S. Brady and Manning are two of the greatest stars of the league. Get these two new contracts. The NFL will figure out how to get a collective bargaining agreement. Enjoy this season though, there’s a lot of uncertainty afterwards.