Regardless of the decision that Tom Brady makes – it appears he won’t be back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next year.
The future hall-of-fame quarterback is expected to take some time away from the game before making his decision on whether he will return to the NFL for another year, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports.
But his current Buccaneer teammates are pessimistic he will be back alongside them next year.
“I’d be surprised if he’s back,” one said, according to Rapoport.
And another speculated “He sounded like a person saying goodbye for good.”
The report comes after days of Brady and the Buccaneers getting eliminated and beaten convincingly by the Dallas Cowboys.
While many think the 45-year-old should and will hang up the cleats, what if he does decide to come back again for one last rodeo?
And if not the Buccaneers then who?
if his desire to play the game remains, a reunion with the New England Patriots could very well be at the top of the list.
He after all created most of his memories there and won six super bowls with the organization.
Jeff Howe, insider for The Athletic, noted that it could be a possibility because Patriots Bill Belichick and Brady still have an “abundance” of respect for each other.
Another team who likely be in the market for a quarterback is the New York Jets.
Owner Woody Johnson noted after the season ended and the team failed to score a touchdown in the final three games that the quarterback is the “missing piece,” according to reports.
Johnson said that he is open to spending money on a veteran, although it would probably burn the eyes of Patriots fans if he signed the rival Jets.
But Brady will be looking to join a team that’s ready to win now and needs a quarterback.
Another possibility could be the Pittsburgh Steelers, which missed the playoffs narrowly in 2022.
The team drafted Kenny Picket last year in the first round – but he did not exactly light it up for the team in 2022.
Also, the Baltimore Ravens would be another team to watch if it is unable to find a resolution on a contract agreement with star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens made the playoffs and nearly beat the Cincinnati Bengals with Tyler Huntley under center last week.
But if Brady does return, he will likely have his eyes set on another Super Bowl ring and will look for what he feels is the best fit.
