NFL Rumors: Dolphins make definitive decision on pursuit of Tom Brady
The Miami Dolphins made a run at Tom Brady in the past, but it doesn't appear they're going to again. They were fined heavily for tampering in their pursuit of the future Hall of Famer and came up empty, but it doesn't look like they're going to give it another try.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are all in on Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered multiple concussions this season.
Even if Tom Brady were to rerun for the 2023 season, the Dolphins are not expected to pursue the QB they were linked to last year, per sources. Miami is committed to Tua Tagovailoa.
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According to ESPN, the Dolphins like what the pairing of Mike McDaniel and Tagovailoa looked like:
"But the Dolphins are committed to Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for 2023, sources told Schefter, and were pleased with his development this past season under first-year coach Mike McDaniel."
As a result, they are not interested in signing the aging quarterback. It's still unclear what Brady's decision will even be, per ESPN:
"Brady, who turns 46 in August, cannot be franchise-tagged by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a 'no tag' clause in his expiring contract. He told reporters that he had no timetable for a decision after the Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs two weeks ago by the Dallas Cowboys."
If he returns and enters free agency, the Dolphins will reportedly be off the table for him.
Where will Tom Brady go next?
Retirement, while possible, is incredibly unlikely for Tom Brady. Re-signing with the Buccaneers, while also possible, is incredibly unlikely as well.
The season went incredibly poorly for the Bucs as they finished 8-9 and lost in blowout fashion in their home playoff game.
It likely means Brady is headed elsewhere. That could be a lot of teams, even if he's clearly not the same player anymore.
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly all-in on Brady. If the New York Jets don't get someone, they may also look at the seven-time Super Bowl winner.
The San Franciso 49ers, his hometown team, are also an intriguing option. Put simply, if Brady stays in the league and enters free agency, a lot of teams will be lining up to sign him.
Unfortunately, that reportedly won't include the Miami Dolphins.