At this time last year, quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were on top of the NFL world as Super Bowl champions (again). After defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a less-than-thrilling Super Bowl LIII, Brady further cemented his legacy as the best quarterback to ever play the game by capturing his sixth Lombardi Trophy.
But, oh, what a difference a year makes.
With the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski and Brady starting to show his age, the Patriots’ 2019 season ended with a stunning home loss in the divisional round to the Tennessee Titans. Now, the unthinkable could be upon us, as Brady is set to hit free agency and it’s beginning to look more and more likely that he could be playing elsewhere next year.
So, where could he wind up?
Well, according to ESPN, the Buccaneers look like an intriguing destination for the future Hall of Famer. In their latest article listing one “must sign” free agent for each NFL team this offseason, ESPN had Brady pegged as the can’t-miss quarterback for the Bucs.
“Brady wasn’t the same Brady last season as the one we have all grown used to seeing, but his 79.0 overall grade still ranked 12th at quarterback. The big problem was the Patriots’ lack of playmakers on offense. A one-two punch of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans has to sound pretty intriguing to Brady as he considers where his career will end, as both guys were top-10 wide receivers by PFF grade during the 2019 season. The Buccaneers have the cap space to make it work, and a much-improved defense with Brady orchestrating a talented offense could have the Bucs as legitimate contenders in 2020.”
Not only would Brady benefit from playing with Evans and Godwin, but he could easily help revive the career of tight end O.J. Howard. Remember, the Patriots inquired about Howard at the trade deadline but were told “no” by the Bucs. Imagine bringing Brady to Tampa Bay and teaming him with this offense?
Be still, my heart…
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