Tampa is the expected landing spot for Tom Brady barring anything unforeseen, sources tell me and @JeffDarlington.
There's no signing date or announcement officially set up, but Brady is expected to be a Buccaneer.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
Here’s something like big news: New England Patriots free agent Tom Brady is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 18 at 3 p.m. CT. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington first reported the development. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that Brady has an agreement in principle with the Buccaneers worth roughly $30 million per year.
That puts the quarterback on a twice-a-year collision course with another Hall of Fame-worthy passer in New Orleans Saints living legend Drew Brees. Brees and Brady have played against each other just five times, with Brees winning the first three matchups (twice with the then-San Diego Chargers) and Brady claiming the latest two games. Here’s the Brees versus Brady series history:
- 2002, Week 4: Chargers 21, Patriots 14
- 2005, Week 4: Chargers 41, Patriots 17
- 2009, Week 12: Saints 38, Patriots 17
- 2013, Week 6: Patriots 30, Saints 27
- 2017, Week 2: Patriots 36, Saints 20
So Brady will be looking to even the score, and maybe even take the lead in his all-time competition with Brees. It’ll be fascinating to see how Brady adapts to life in Bruce Arians’ high-flying offense after a noticable, yearslong decline in his arm strength, but he’ll have great help around with wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard.
But it’s important to remember: whoever the Buccaneers surround Brady with, the Saints will be prepared for them.
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