Tom Brady to the AFC West? SI analyst explains how the Patriots could be influencing the decision
Tom Brady is mulling multiple routes he could take in 2023.
He could hang up his boots after a tough season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that felt different than any other. Alternately, the legendary quarterback could stick with throwing the pigskin but in a different uniform.
Speaking on the Rich Eisen Show, analyst Albert Breer.picked one place that could put Tom Brady in a year-long competition with Justin Herbert, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes:
"II don't think he knows whether or not he's going to play in 2023 yet. I think if he does, it probably won't be in Tampa. And I think the two teams to watch that are [the] San Francisco [49ers] and Las Vegas [Raiders]."
Breer outlined how Brady likely yearns for a New England Patriots-like environment:
"I think one of the things he probably has a better appreciation for is the way he was coached in New England, how hard he was coached in New England, and how tight the operation was."
How are Tom Brady's New England Patriots connected to the Las Vegas Raiders?
Tom Brady hasn't been a part of the New England Patriots for three seasons. While he may not wish to return to Bill Belichick's team, he may want to go back to a similar philosophy and intensity.
One option to supposedly get the best of both worlds would be the Las Vegas Raiders under coach Josh McDaniels.
Aside from a three-year hiatus, McDaniels served as the offensive coordinator for Bill Belichick from 2008 to 2021. In that time, as Breer alluded to, McDaniels soaked in the 'Patriot Way' and has implemented it in the AFC West.
Of course, the elephant in the room is Derek Carr. Carr, who is far from making the playoffs once again, is facing the first of several remaining years on his contract. Cutting or trading him would save the Raiders tens of millions.
If Las Vegas move on from him in 2023, they would save about $30 million, which many would argue would be enough to pay for them to get Tom Brady.
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit the Rich Eisen Show and H/T Sportskeeda.