Now that Tom Brady’s season is officially over, his future is officially up in the air.
The quarterback won’t make a decision until the emotion subsides. Given his mentally taxing last 12 months, dealing with a fairly public divorce, Brady will have a lot to weigh up.
“(It) just feels like the end of the season,” Brady said in the press conference after his Buccaneers went down to the Dallas Cowboys in Tampa Bay. That was the telling quote; a cheeky implication there’s no larger reflecting to be done just yet.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 45-year-old is still – quite unbelievably – playing decent football, despite what headlines the US shock jocks try to concoct after his Playoff showing. He’s also an unrestricted free agent; having now honoured his contract in Tampa, Florida. So the man has options.
There are plenty of ‘wildcard’ scenarios to all the what next speculation, but five outcomes meet more criteria than the rest. So what now for Tom Brady? Let’s unpack it.
Option 1: Stay in Tampa Bay
Run it back? It seems as though the Buccaneers’ contender bubble has probably burst; an ageing roster and offensive line problems that aren’t going away. Even with key receiving weapons Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the offence was brutal for much of the season.
That said, Florida’s a pretty appealing place to be as winter in the United States kicks in. And the Tampa decision-makers could easily talk themselves into one more charge… but it all hinges on 12 agreeing to return.
This scenario is angling towards the least likely… and the least fun; we’re gluttons for chaos. Seeing him in new colours would just straight up be more interesting at this point.
Option 2: Roll the dice in Las Vegas
Now we’re talking. This is the new landing spot that makes the most sense. Derek Carr’s days as quarterback of the Vegas Raiders are officially done, ending rather unceremoniously last month.
Where there’s smoke there’s generally fire and former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ role as Raiders head coach is combustable fuel to this rumoured landing spot. Brady and McDaniels’ partnership is a success story by anyone’s measure and owner Mark Davis must be more than over it; he needs to see success and he needs to see it yesterday. Tom gives them a chance to elevate.
Embed from Getty ImagesOption 3: New England’s favourite son returns
Three years ago, it seemed entirely inconceivable that one day, down the line, Tom Brady would ever don a Patriots jersey again. The feeling seemed legitimately mutual. But Brady proved, well into his 40s, he wasn’t cooked and still had what it took; that he still had a strong enough arm and the will to match.
While Brady’s been slinging it for the Buccs, the Patriots have been stuck in purgatory. Owner Robert Kraft is quickly losing patience in the process and losing trust that super coach Bill Belichick can still run the whole operation on his own.
Last season was a self-inflicted debacle for New England, handing the responsibility of developing second-year quarterback Mac Jones to the wrong people; leaving more bigger picture questions than answers.
Brady can be a short-term solution to getting things back on track, combined with an off-season shopping spree to stock up on offensive weapons. It’s also the one feasible way the Pats can sell to its fan base they still believe in Mac Jones as their long-term guy, but just not right now.
Even despite Belichick’s mismanagement in hiring the wrong offensive staff, the ‘mad scientist’ still cooks up a mean enough defence to cause AFC rivals dramas. The franchise just needs competence on offence; that’s where the Tom Brady swan song scenario enters the fray.
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Option 4: Jet up to New York
The New York Jets are seemingly a quarterback away. Two seasons into his rookie contract, Zach Wilson just ain’t it. The team’s QB issues this season was ultimately what held them back from breaking one of US sport’s big droughts; it’s been 11 years since the New York Jets have made it to the postseason, 2010 the franchise’s last trip to the Playoffs.
Brady isn’t exactly on the same timeline as the Jets’ core pieces. But it’s literally just the Sacremento Kings with a longer Playoffs drought (16 seasons, 2005-6); maybe New York opts for the microwave, as opposed to the slow-cooker.
Option 5: Turn in the helmet for the headset
Awaiting the GOAT in retirement is a 10-year, US$375 million ($AUD 540 million) dollar deal with Fox Sports US. He’s probably going to be incredible in the booth one day, given everything we know about him.
The deal is awaiting his eventual decision to hang up the cleats, whether that’s this off season or further down the line.
But wait, are there any other possible outcomes?
Miami Dolphins? Recent reports – including this – suggest that it’s all systems go for QB Tua Tagovailoa to make a full recovery from the multiple brain injuries he suffered during the season. There were strong Brady links, involving a potential ownership share, last off season; the Dophins quarterback issues were in the spotlight. But first year head coach Mike McDaniel took little time implementing an offensive system that has unlocked Tagovailoa’s potential; the remaining doubt over the Hawaiian native is now purely welfare-based.
San Francisco 49ers? For years, fans have been trying to manifest a San Fran swan song for the Californian, but the emergence of unlikely rookie Brock Purdy means the 49ers have good, cheap options to move forward with; the franchise will also have Trey Lance to return from the broken ankle injury that ended the highly-touted signal-caller’s season early. There’s also Jimmy Garropolo on the scene; the 49ers aren’t moving on from two of those guys to bring in a 46-year-old.
New Orleans Saints? The return of Sean Payton is going to be one of the most intriguing narratives in the coming months; whether back with the Saints or traded elsewhere, as he’s still under contract despite calling ‘time’ – or timeout – just over a year ago. Payton teaming up with Brady would be box office, the the rest of the roster has too many holes.
Baltimore Ravens? Ultimately, it’s the teams with quarterback uncertainty that become rumoured landing spots for guys like Tom Brady. The Ravens might find themselves in that boat over the coming months, as speculation continues to swirl around Lamar Jackson’s contractual status. This one’s a long shot, but never say never.
Washington Commanders? Tom Brady is too brand conscious to convince himself playing for Dan Schneider’s football team is forgivable. That’s if it still is Dan’s team a little further down the line.
Somewhere in the AFC South? The Colts, Texans and possibly even the Titans are jumping on the quarterback carousel again this off season; at the very least due diligence would be picking up the phone and checking in with Brady’s management. But the reality is none of these teams are anywhere near a deep Playoff run and Tom understands that.
