After retiring and un-retiring less than two months later last offseason, Tom Brady has some big decisions to make at the end of the 2022 season.
The 45-year-old and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t having the kind of season either side was expecting, increasing the likelihood that he’ll return for another campaign.
Given it will only be the second time in Brady’s career that he’ll be able to test free agency, both Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport are reporting that he has “all options on the table” when it comes to his future.
Whether that means calling it a career in Tampa Bay and heading to the broadcast booth with FOX, staying with the Buccaneers and hoping they go all in, or moving on to another team, the future remains unclear for the future Hall of Famer.
As a result, here’s a look at the top landing spots for Brady should he continue playing in 2023.
San Francisco 49ers
The most talked about landing spot is the San Francisco 49ers. It would allow Brady to finally play for his hometown team, while also giving them a huge talent boost given their quarterback concerns.
Given the inconsistent play of Trey Lance, and question marks surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo, Brady would finally give coach Kyle Shanahan that star name needed to make a big run at the Super Bowl.
New York Giants
Throughout Brady’s career the Giants have seemingly been his kryptonite, having beaten him twice in the Super Bowl. However with things trending in the right direction under coach Brian Daboll, the Giants could make a run for Brady should the team decide to move on from Daniel Jones.
The 25-year-old has been inconsistent since taking over the starting job in New York, and the team could turn to Brady given Jones will test free agency this offseason. While Brady wouldn’t be a long-term solution, it would give the Giants a short window to win another Super Bowl.
New England Patriots
Reports say Brady would be interested in heading back to the team he called home for most of his career. The quarterback still has a good relationship with coach Bill Belichick, and the Patriots will have over $50 million in cap space next season.
The team wouldn’t even have to trade young quarterback Mac Jones. He’s under contract until 2025, and Brady’s signing would allow the youngster to learn from the greatest of all time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although Tampa’s season has been marred by injury and inconsistency, Brady could decide to stay put.
The team still has a core that is capable of competing, and Brady has shown that the Buccaneers are still dangerous in recent comeback victories. No team will want to meet them in the postseason, and should they win it all, Brady could call it quits.
If they come up short, he could re-sign in Tampa and try to avenge that defeat.
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