After Tom Brady’s big announcement Tuesday that he wouldn’t be returning to the New England Patriots, it appears is if we’re down to two clear options for the future Hall of Famer: the Los Angeles Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Of course there could be a drastic move we don’t see coming — we’re talking about perhaps the greatest QB of all time here — but as of right now it appears Brady’s options are fairly limited.
So we decided to debate it: should he head West to his home state to play for the franchise that could use a boost to its mostly nonexistent fanbase? Or South to play for an NFC franchise in a state without income tax and for a big-name coach? We had our Steven Ruiz and Charles Curtis argue which option is better for Brady.
The case for the Buccaneers
When you’ve spent 20 years in Boston, there’s only one thing left to do: retire and enjoy the weather in Florida. I know, I know: Los Angeles can be similarly nice, it’s closer to his family … whatever.
It sure sounds like Brady has no real interest in retiring yet. So the next best thing is to play in Florida. And he’d be walking into quite a situation with Tampa Bay.
He’d go from having a mediocre set of offensive weapons to having one of the best receiver pairings in all the NFL with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He’d have the kind of athlete at tight end in O.J. Howard that he once had in Rob Gronkowski. And to go from Bill Belichick to a beloved coach like Bruce Arians is just the icing on the cake.
Sure, Brady isn’t the same QB he once was. But Arians — who will probably be happy to have a quarterback who doesn’t throw interceptions every five minutes — will adjust. Tampa’s defense also took a big step forward last year (leading the league in rushing yards allowed) and could keep improving. The only concern is the run game, but whatever. If Brady’s looking to have some fun while also contending, this is a good choice. — Charles Curtis
The case for the Chargers
I don’t know if I love Brady’s fit in Los Angeles, but I just don’t see him working in Bruce Arians’ downfield passing scheme. Tampa Bay’s offensive line has been an issue for years, and I wonder whether a 43-year-old is going to be willing to hang in those pockets while routes develop downfield. The Chargers have offensive line issues themselves, but they just added Trai Turner, a Pro Bowl guard, and should be in position to draft a left tackle in this year’s draft, which is loaded with good offensive line prospects.
With Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry and Austin Ekeler on the roster, Brady will have plenty of talent to work with in the passing game. As for the scheme … he’s Tom Brady, and Anthony Lynn is no Arians. Brady shouldn’t have any problem convincing the Chargers staff to adjust the playbook for him.
On top of all that, it’s Los Angeles. More importantly, it’s not Tampa. There’s no contest there. — Steven Ruiz
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