The biggest question surrounding the New England Patriots heading into the offseason is what the team will do with Tom Brady, and Robert Kraft has made his feelings very clear.

Prior to Saturday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, Kraft told Peter King of NBC Football Morning in America that he understands the business of football, but he hopes next season Brady plays with the Patriots or he retires.

“Before the season started,” Kraft said, “it was very important to Tom that he be free to do whatever he wanted at the end of the year. You know what I said to myself? That any person who plays 20 years for this team and helps us get to six Super Bowls, and been really selfless, has earned that right. I love the young man like he’s part of my family. Blood family. Anyone who’s done that has earned the right to control his future after 20 years.”

“And you know, my hope and prayer is number one, he play for the Patriots. Or number two, he retires. He has the freedom to decide what he wants to do and what’s in his own best personal interest.”

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It's hard to imagine if the Patriots offer Brady the starting job for next season that he will turn it down, so the ball seems to be in the Patriots' court.

If the team does decide to go in a different direction and Brady signs with another team, it will be a bit weird for everyone, including Kraft. After spending his entire career with the Patriots, it would be strange seeing him in a different jersey.