It looks like 23 seasons won’t be enough for Tom Brady in the NFL. The seven-time Super Bowl quarterback is apparently aiming to return for the 2023 campaign.
However, it might not be with his current Tampa Bay Buccaneers team. Citing executives around the league, Mike Sando of The Athletic reports that Brady is “lining up places where he wants to go” in 2023.
It’s interesting that this report would come out one day after Brady led Tampa Bay to a win over the Carolina Panthers and the NFC South title. He completed 34-of-45 passes for 432 yards with three touchdowns and zero interceptions in the 30-24 victory.
There’s been a lot of talk about Brady’s future in the NFL. He retired briefly early last offseason before ultimately opting to return for another year. The quarterback wouldn’t commit to his future in recent comments.
“You know, I think what I really realized last year was you gotta be really sure to do that. And for me, you know, a lot of people have kind of gone through this situation. I’m going to take my time whenever that time does come.”
Tom Brady on future NFL plans and retirement
At 45 years old, Tom Terrific has regressed somewhat this season. In fact, his 24 touchdowns through 16 games would match a 16-year low. This doesn’t mean his career is over. Not by a long shot.
Related: Tom Brady and NFL’s top QBs of 2023
NFL teams will have interest in Tom Brady
This much is certain. In his piece, Sando specifically points to the Las Vegas Raiders as a potential landing spot for Brady. Vegas just benched longtime quarterback Derek Carr, signaling that his time with the organization is all but over.
It also must be noted that Brady has a built-in relationship with Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler dating back to their days together with the New England Patriots. This is one of the many reasons why the Raiders are favored to land the future first-ballot Hall of Famer.
With that said, Brady’s market will not be limited to the Raiders. Despite his statistical regression, we’re talking about a quarterback who continues to play at a high level.
- Tom Brady stats (2022): 66.6% completion, 4,610 yards, 24 TD, 9 INT, 90.4 QB rating
Brady has been linked to his childhood team in that of the San Francisco 49ers throughout his career. We’re not sure how this would work out with rookie Brock Purdy doing his thing and fellow youngster Trey Lance on the 49ers’ roster.
For one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, it’s going to be all about joining a contender if he opts to leave the Buccaneers in free agency. San Francisco qualifies. Las Vegas doesn’t.
Other teams potentially in the running include the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints.
One thing is clear. If Tom Brady does indeed opt to return for the 2023 season, he’ll land somewhere. A player of his ilk and pedigree simply isn’t going to be forced from league.