We don’t know where he is going yet, but Tom Brady is leaving the Patriots.
The 42-year-old quarterback shared the news on Twitter, thanking Patriots fans and the New England region for all their love and support over the last two decades. The future Hall-of-Famer wrote “I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you,” going on to say that “my football journey will take place elsewhere.”
FOREVER A PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
Of course, with the way the statement is worded, it does seem possible Brady could retire.
Related: Tampa Bay Bucs Are New Betting Favorite to Sign Tom Brady
However, that seems unlikely and it does sound as if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who became the odds-on favorites to sign Brady yesterday, have a good shot at signing the veteran quarterback.
Yesterday, the Bucs reportedly offered Brady more than $30 million annually, as did the Chargers.
The #Bucs made a strong offer to QB Tom Brady believed to be $30M or more. The #Chargers did, as well. And now, he’s leaving New England.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Interestingly, it appears Brady may not have made up his mind about where he’s going next but only knows that he does not want to return to the Patriots.
Despite today’s proclamation that he would not be returning to New England, Tom Brady has not made a decision on where he will play next season and he will be exploring his options, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
According to ESPN, Patriots owner Robert Kraft learned Brady would be leaving from the quarterback himself. (Social distancing?)
“Tommy initiated contact last night and came over,” Kraft to ESPN. We had a positive, respectful discussion. It’s not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son.”
The team and Bill Belichick also released statements about Brady leaving the team.
Statements from #Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft and Head Coach Bill Belichick on Tom Brady's Patriots career: https://t.co/DFmmbzAIdo pic.twitter.com/flVpDFB4HJ
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 17, 2020
The situation may change, but Patriots insider Tom E. Curran, who has been tight with both Brady and Belichick over the years, reports no more official news is expected today.
My understanding is that there will be no other Brady announcements today.
— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 17, 2020
Regardless of where he goes or what he does next, the six-time Super Bowl champ’s tenure in New England ends with a pick-6.
Wow. The Patriots are stunned at home and lose to the Titans.
In what may be Tom Brady’s last throw, it’s a pick-6 to his former teammate Logan Ryan.
— GBP Daily (@GBPdaily) January 5, 2020
On the New England side of things, the Patriots will move forward with second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham or sign someone in free agency.
They could also attempt to add a quarterback via trade, with Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton being an option and someone Belichick has had his eye on.
More to come.
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