Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady – still sounds bizarre – is slated to play for a different team for the first time since 1999. So what kind of numbers can we expect in 2020 from the six-time Super Bowl champion and three-time league MVP? Is Brady a safe or a risky fantasy selection?
There are a lot of variables to consider while speculating what kind of a season Brady will have. For starters, he will be without coach Bill Belichick for the first time in his professional career. Brady’s age is also a concern. But perhaps most important, Brady surrounded himself with an entirely new offensive skill group — one that’s a sizable upgrade from 2019.
ADP on Fantasy Pros: No. 112
Where we think you should take him: Third round
ESPN’s projected stats: 4,429 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Our projected stats: 4,600 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, 11 interceptions
For Brady, it’s crunch time. In his world, this upcoming season could be the most important to date. Brady knows better than anyone: no one cares what he was able to do at age 40, 41 and 42. They only care what Brady can do at 43-years old for the 2020 Buccaneers. It will certainly be exciting to watch.
For those wondering what could have factored into Brady choosing Tampa Bay as his landing spot – look no further than the Bucs offense. Brady’s top weapons in 2020 feature wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both of whom are top 10 projected receivers by ESPN. Evans has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first six seasons in the league. Godwin ranked third in receiving yards in 2019 even after missing two games.
This new-and-improved Bucs offense will also feature Brady’s former Patriot teammate and good-buddy tight end Rob Gronkowksi. Fellow tight end O.J. Howard, a 6’6 first round pick in 2017, was also retained by the team after rumors of his departure circled for most of last season. The combination of Gronkowski and Howard could very well be an issue for defenses.
In the end, although it might seem obvious to select other quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers, don’t sleep on Brady. He is hungrier than ever, likely looking to prove to the world that he can get it done without Belichick, among other factors.
[vertical-gallery id=87325]