Should have been more clear - the Pats did not feel Brady was worth the higher amount that Tampa Bay offered. I bet the 7-9 Patriots are wishing they ponied up that $10 million extra.
Anyway, if I recall, early in Brady's career, he would often take less salary than what the market would otherwise pay him to help the Pats stay under the salary cap (and afford to put better players around him).
I'm thinking Brady took the higher offer this time not so much for the extra money but just to prove that he can win with another team. Nobody can claim that Coach Belichick was solely responsible for Brady's SB runs any longer.
I think Brady felt unappreciated with the Pats. He did take less money in years past so the Pats could afford free agents.
In the end, that worked out better for the whole team, including Brady. However, the only common denominator in all of the Pats Championship seasons were Bill & Tom. Every other player and several coaches came and went. A couple of those have gone on to other head coaching positions. A couple came back.
Brady is the GOAT.
Bill still has more rings.
This gives something for the sports radio Boston shows like The Sports Hub to argue about.