Brady after NFL franchise values rise, cap drops: 'Players are ignorant'

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady had a strong message for NFL players and their union Thursday after learning the average value of NFL franchises increased by 14% over the past year despite a significant drop in the league's salary cap.

"The salary cap dropped by 20% ... and the new media deals were announced the day after (the) 2021 salary cap was set," Brady wrote in an Instagram Story. "NFL players better wake up @NFLPA. NFL players are ignorant."

Tom Brady says NFL players are ignorant," after seeing the franchise revenues and values rise while the salary cap fell 20 percent. pic.twitter.com/haeRUHv9Ch

- Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 5, 2021

The NFL announced on March 10 a salary cap of $182.5 million for the 2021 season, down from the 2020 ceiling of $198.2 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams cut numerous veteran players in anticipation of the lower figure.

The league then unveiled on March 18 a massive new television rights deal involving five broadcasters. The 11-year agreement begins in 2023 and is worth $10 billion annually.

The Dallas Cowboys topped Forbes' list of most valuable NFL teams for the sixth straight year in 2021. The New England Patriots, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Football Team rounded out the top five.

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