NFL insider says Tom Brady percolating in league circles to play for Raiders or Buccaneers in 2023
With the NFL season nearing its end now that the playoffs are underway, the future of Tom Brady is under the microscope once again.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has no signs of stepping away from the game following the season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Brady said in December he would take his time and not rush to a decision, like last year.
With Brady due to hit free agency, Fowler broke down the options for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
“So his name is percolating in a lot of league circles and there’s a faction of the NFL right now, particularly in that Josh McDaniels, New England coaching tree that people think that the Raiders are gonna go after Tom Brady this offseason,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “They’re making a potential Derek Carr trade in light of getting somebody like Brady. Now, the flip side is the Tampa Bay Bucs still believe they have a good shot at Brady coming back in free agency. They believe that they create a good environment for him. He’s thrived there, obviously won a Super Bowl, there’s a playoff run once again.
“There really isn’t a lot of momentum right now about Brady retiring. People are just assuming around the league that he’s going to be back for another season right now.”
Brady put up good numbers ahead of Tampa Bay’s Monday Wild Card matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He finished the regular season with 4,694 yards, 25 touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 66.8% completion percentage.
“I really don’t,” Brady said when asked if he contemplates the retirement decision. “You know, I think what I really realized last year was you got to be really sure to do that. And, you know, for me, a lot of people have kind of gone through a situation, how you feel when the season ends versus … later, so, I’m going to take my time.”
While he can play at a decently high level and give his team a chance to win and make the playoffs, Brady can put the retirement talk on the back burner.
“Whenever that time does come, in the meantime, I have a hugely important job that the team’s asked me to do,” Brady said. “And I want to go out there and I want to play my best these last two weeks of the regular season.”
Asked what makes Brady as lethal as other elite quarterbacks he’s been around, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy pointed to his ability to execute with accuracy in time-sensitive and high-pressure situations.
“Common denominator, the way that they play the two-minute,” McCarthy said. “It’s almost something that they live for. That’s when they’re in their element. Changing the pace of the game. That’s one of the best things that he does. You’re always in it as long as you have time and downs.”