Tom Brady free agency: Ian Rapoport claims "all options are on the table" as Buccaneers QB explores joining new team
Tom Brady is ready for his 23rd season in the NFL and his third with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The quarterback is in the final year of his contract with the Buccaneers, and it looks like he might be playing elsewhere next season. According to senior NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the 45-year-old quarterback is open to playing for another franchise in the 2023-2024 season.
The plan heading into this season is to retire at 45. However, those close to the quarterback wonder if he's more receptive now than he was a few months ago. Could the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback re-sign with the Buccaneers this upcoming offseason? In the 2020 - 2021 season, his first in Tampa Bay, Brady led the franchise to a victory in Super Bowl 55.
Last season, he led the NFL in both passing yards (5,316 yards) and touchdowns (43). Even now, Brady would be a short-term improvement over several quarterbacks currently starting. Many NFL teams have questions regarding the quarterback position entering this upcoming offseason. If the three-time MVP feels he has the best opportunity to win another Super Bowl with the Buccaneers, he might move elsewhere.
Where could Tom Brady play his 24th season in the NFL?
Assuming that Tom Brady doesn't retire after this season, there will be many teams in the market for his services. There are teams that are a quarterback away from winning the Lombardi Trophy. One place to start is the San Francisco 49ers, given Brady's connection to the team.
He grew up watching Hall of Famer Joe Montana in the 1980s when the 49ers were the team of the decade. Jimmy Garoppolo appears to be their only missing piece on the roster. Adding Brady could take this roster to a Super Bowl, and Tom Brady could lead them there as his idol did.
Another team should he want to play on the East Coast would be the New England Patriots. This would reunite him with the greatest head coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick.
The duo has won six Super Bowls in nine appearances together over the last two decades (2000–2019). Nonetheless, we'll see what the 15-time Pro Bowler does after the 2022-2023 season.