March 18, 2020 marks the new league year for the NFL and the start of free agency. This year’s class of free agents will include future Hall of Fame QBs Philip Rivers and Tom Brady, something most people probably thought they’d never see happen.
Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion, has been linked to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and for good reason. A pair of young 1,000-yard receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin offers Brady a chance at an elite passing attack. Plus, the Bucs’ young defense is making major strides under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, so the postseason is more than realistic for this team in 2020.
ESPN put together four hypothetical offers from teams Brady could easily end up signing with, and Tampa Bay was one of the four teams on the list.
Here’s what Jenna Laine had to say about the Bucs and Brady.
Per Laine:
“Winning isn’t what’s going to lure Brady to Tampa — it’s the idea of a challenge. The Bucs haven’t been to the postseason since 2007 and have put together two winning seasons in the past decade. But they have something Brady hasn’t enjoyed since 2011 (or 2009, if you’re talking strictly receivers not including Rob Gronkowski): two 1,100-yard Pro Bowl receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs have more than $81 million in cap space — fourth most in the NFL — to improve a roster that just went 7-9 with Jameis Winston throwing 30 interceptions. And there’s no state income tax, so it’s an ideal retirement destination.”
Again, I don’t think we talk about that no-state-income-tax benefit enough. Plus, Laine points out the appeal Bruce Arians offers as a head coach, especially when you consider his personality compared to that of Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
“Brady has also never had a head coach like Bruce Arians, who wants to drink beers in the parking lot after games (he’s still looking for a spot to do this). There might not be a more fun coach to play for than Arians.”
If Brady does come to the NFC South, the NFL would be in ratings heaven next season.
[lawrence-related id=28857,28851,28849,28828]