Brady’s deal pleases Kraft

Although Brady made only a locker room cameo yesterday afternoon, politely declining to chat with reporters, Kraft expressed happiness that the much-discussed deal is finally completed.

“Absolutely. Absolutely. I’ve been saying to people, this is our 17th season [owning the Patriots] and in that period I’ve had one wife and two quarterbacks [Brady and Drew Bledsoe] who have started the season and it should be over 20 years where we have only two quarterbacks who start the season,’’ by the time Brady’s extension expires, Kraft said.

“I think stability and continuity are important if you want to have a winning situation,’’ said the owner. “You always have to upgrade and bring in young talent, but you also have to have seasoned veterans and we’re lucky to have one of the greatest players in the history of the game, in my opinion.’’

The 2007 Most Valuable Player after an NFL-record 50 touchdown passes, Brady is already the franchise leader in nearly every passing category, including yards (30,844), completion percentage (63.3, minimum 200 attempts), and touchdowns (225). Barring injury, he will put those records out of reach before his career is over.

His rise to stardom is legend: the 199th pick of the 2000 draft out of Michigan, New England was debating between Brady and Louisiana Tech’s Tim Rattay and ultimately went with the skinny Northern California kid who did not lack for confidence. Shortly after he was drafted, Brady told Kraft he was the best decision the team had ever made.

It is likely not even Brady could have predicted the success that has followed.

Over a decade-plus, Brady and Kraft have developed a strong personal relationship — hearing that Brady had been in a car wreck Thursday morning, the owner said, was like hearing it was one of his own children — but that bond was tested during negotiations, as each man had his own interests to protect.