Patriots QB keeps defying Father Time

Even before the drive for five was complete, Tom Brady already had an itch for six.

In the hours leading up to Super Bowl LI in Houston, an NFL Network report emerged that the New England Patriots expect their star quarterback to play at least another three seasons, and potentially as many as five.

Despite turning 40 in August, work could begin on a contract extension, one that would take Brady into his mid-40s, as soon as next off-season.

It backs up Brady’s past claims that he wants to play until he’s 45, and after winning his fifth Super Bowl in dramatic fashion Sunday, his legacy as the best ever has been cemented.

Not that it needed more cement poured on it in the first place.

Now, the question is how many more Super Bowls can the Patriots get to before No. 12 calls it quits?

If his fourth-quarter performance against the bewildered Atlanta Falcons is any indication, there’s a good chance we haven’t seen the last of Brady on the biggest stage football has to offer.

But aside from the obvious contributions on the field, perhaps the biggest hand Brady has lent his franchise over the years is his willingness to take below market deals to help the overall roster.

His last extension provided the Patriots with team-friendly cap hits of $14 million this season and next, before bumping to $22 million in 2018 and 2019.

Don’t worry, Brady’s not poor. The Patriots did hand him a $28-million signing bonus for taking a smidgen less.