NFL insider shares latest on Tom Brady, Tampa Bay contract talks
NFL legend Tom Brady is returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for at least one more season, that much is clear. However, the monetary figure Brady will play for is still up for discussion in the Bucs front office.
After winning the Super Bowl in 2021, Brady brought in $44.4 million for last season. His current contract though would see him make $10.4 million in 2022. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared on Monday morning that talks are ongoing between the seven-time Super Bowl champ and the organization. It’s unlikely that Brady plays on the $10.4 million extension that he signed as a “placeholder” last season.
Given the recent deal for Aaron Rodgers, which will make him the highest-paid player in the league, and Kirk Cousins’ $35 million fully guaranteed extension, the Tampa Bay Bucs will probably pay a steep price to get their star QB back. It’s a price they’ll be more than willing to pay, whatever the amount.
Brady’s return puts Tampa Bay back in the discussion for another championship and helps their situation with several free agents. The Bucs signed his center, Ryan Jensen, to a three-year extension on Sunday night. However, Pro Bowl lineman Ali Marpet is opting to stay retired. Marpet plans to get his Master’s degree. The status of tight end Rob Gronkowski is still up in the air.
Tom Brady surprises with retirement reversal
Despite a retirement announcement six weeks ago, the journey is not over for Brady. He shocked everyone on Sunday by announcing he will return for his 23rd year in the NFL next season.
“These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands,” Brady said via Twitter. “That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG”
Brady makes his announcement just hours before free agency begins in the NFL. Tampa Bay was going to have a lot of decisions to make but now, with Brady back, the Buccaneers are once again an intriguing destination for free agents to land.
Throughout his career, Brady has thrown for 84520 yards and 624 touchdowns. Splitting time between the Buccaneers and the Patriots, the seven championships are more than anybody in the history of the NFL.
Now, he will return next season hoping to get one final Super Bowl next season with head coach Bruce Arians. After falling short against the Los Angeles Rams this season, there will be a better opportunity for Tampa Bay to lift another trophy after a frantic offseason in the NFC.