The New England Patriots are on the verge of one of the most momentous transitions in NFL history.

Legendary quarterback Tom Brady is a free agent and–despite optimism he will return to New England–there is a real possibility the Pats will have to pursue other signal-callers.

According to former Patriots linebacker and current ESPN analyst Rob Ninkovich, Brady's decision will have a domino effect on the rest of the league (via Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk):

“It’s going to be difficult to try and bring everybody back. I would think if Tom comes back, one of those other players comes back,” Ninkovich said of their passel of free agents. “But if Tom doesn’t come back, I don’t know if those guys are going to want to stick around. Because what’s the outlook for the team? Is it a rebuilding phase? What happens moving forward?

That would be a hard sell. In years past, the Patriots have been able to get guys at a bargain, because it’s an older veteran, a guy who’s looking for a Super Bowl, for a playoff run. They’re approached by the Patriots, who say, ‘Look, we’re not going to guarantee the biggest contract, but we’re going to give you an opportunity to play in the playoffs and Super Bowl if you’re interested. Ninety-nine percent of the guys are ‘yeah, I want some validation for my football career.’’’

Brady still threw for over 4,000 yards last year, but he also posted the lowest total QBR of his career in addition to the fewest yards gained per pass attempt since 2006. Of course, some of that is due in part to injuries on the offensive line and a receiving corps lacking in depth.

It should also be said that–even in the final stages of his career–Brady maintains a certain aura about him. Ninkovich's comment about other Patriots free agents potentially following him out of town calls to mind the end Chicago Bulls dynasty in the 1990s after Michael Jordan retired.

Might Brady, arguably the greatest player in NFL history, have a similar impact?