Yes, other players in other sports have done the same - forego some salary to keep some good players together.
Age is definitely a factor, as is understanding the opposition; he may have just played so long he can be countered with good coaching. That is primarily how the Giants beat the Patriots twice; they reduced Tom Brady to a very average quarterback. He himself complained about the Giants defense; they had his number (both times), and kept the score low.
Yes, I agree with that. Throw in a miniscule less velocity on a throw, a millisecond more in decision making, and a quarter step less quickness and he would be very very average. As defenses sense vulnerability, they begin to lick their chops.
Does Tom want that?? How long would fans tolerate that??? It comes down to that.
If not for an offsides on KC, Tom would have ended last season with an interception and 3 for that game. Didn’t I see the stat late in the game yesterday, that of his last 92 passes in the playoffs, none were for touchdowns?