Tom Brady speculation thread (to Bucs)

[bubbaramfan]

 

[CGI_Ram]

Brady 'open-minded' about playing elsewhere

"I'm open-minded about the process," Tom Brady said of his upcoming free agency. "...Whatever the future may bring, I'll embrace it with open arms."

www.espn.com

Tom Brady 'open-minded' about playing elsewhere

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his 20-year career on March 18, was asked Sunday whether he views it as a realistic possibility that he could play for another team.

"I'm open-minded about the process," Brady said in his weekly interview with Westwood One radio, when also asked whether he'd be willing to play elsewhere. "At the same time, I love playing football and I want to continue to play and do a great job. I'm looking forward to what's ahead. Whatever the future may bring, I'll embrace it with open arms."

On Saturday night, Brady was in Las Vegas for UFC 246, where he crossed paths with Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis. Photos of them together generated predictable buzz on social media, highlighting how Brady's future is not just arguably the biggest story of the upcoming NFL offseason, but in all of sports.

It is uncommon for a player of Brady's stature to reach free agency. As part of the revised contract he agreed to with the Patriots in August, the team can't assign him the franchise tag, which gives the 42-year-old Brady leverage to dictate his plans.

If Brady returns to the Patriots for a 21st season in 2020, he would tie former Detroit Lions kicker Jason Hanson for the longest tenure with a team in NFL history, according to ESPN's Stats & Information.

Brady said in his Westwood One interview that he's spent the past two weeks "decompressing from the season" and spending time with his family.

 

[Corbin]

Patriots willing to pay Tom Brady $30M per year to keep QB

While his former protégé is set to play in today's Super Bowl, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Bradytook center stage this week for a brief moment with a cryptic tweet.

Brady posted a photo showing the signal-callereither walking into or out of a stadium, sparking intrigue across social media.

Sources say the famous tweet actually previews a Super Bowl commercial that features Brady. Either way, Brady's offseason will be fascinating as he claims the spotlight.

The Patriots are intent on keeping Brady, obviously, believing he has one or two good years left. They are willing, sources say, to pay him in excess of $30 million per year to keep him in New England -- a significant commitment that would bring his salary more in line with other elite QBs.

That would help, but it may not be all. If Brady is going to return, he wants to see the team spend on some weapons -- which they attempted to do last offseason by signing Antonio Brown, only to have it fail. It would be unlike Bill Belichick to "go for it" but that may close the deal.

Technically, Brady is not allowed to sign a new deal with New England until free agency begins next month, but it is likely he will wait until then to even come close to an agreement.

Brady will have options. Sources say the Los Angeles Chargers are expected to be among the teams who will make a pitch to Brady. They do have what he'd require, which is a talented team that could win now. The Tennessee Titans also fit that bill, though they'd have to make a decision on whether to franchise tag Ryan Tannehill before free agency commences.

Another potential factor for Brady is his TB12 workout facility. Brady wants to continue the routine that has kept him upright and agile throughout the years, and a new team being willing to incorporate TB12 into their footprint would help. The Chargers -- who will share a stadium with the Rams -- would have that capability

 

[CGI_Ram]

Sources: Raiders to pursue Brady in free agency

The Raiders are poised to pursue quarterback Tom Brady if he doesn't re-sign with the Patriots before free agency begins, league sources tell ESPN.

www.espn.com

Sources: Raiders to pursue Tom Brady if QB becomes free agent

The Raiders are poised to pursue quarterback Tom Brady if he doesn't re-sign with the Patriots before free agency begins, league sources told ESPN.

Whether the Raiders can lure Brady to Las Vegas, as their quarterback and biggest draw, remains uncertain. Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed how much he wants Brady to return to New England, and there will be more talks with the team before the free-agent period.

New England is expected to want to have a decision made well before the free-agent signing period begins March 18. But Brady also has said he is "open-minded" about the free-agent process, and other teams are expected to explore the possibility of signing him, according to sources.

One of the teams expected to be leading the way if Brady gets to free agency is the Raiders, whose coach, Jon Gruden, is a long-time admirer of the three-time MVP and six-time Super Bowl champion. The two have a good relationship, and league sources believe that Gruden, who is known to be a highly effective recruiter, wants Brady on the Raiders.

Brady would provide the Raiders instant credibility in their new city, not to mention an enormous marketing advantage that could be presented on billboards across Nevada.

What the Raiders could give Brady, aside from vast adoration and appreciation, is a sturdy offensive line that includes former Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown, as well as a running game led by rookie Josh Jacobs, and a receiving game that features Darren Waller, Tyrell Williams and Hunter Renfrow.

Brady, 42, visited Las Vegas last month for UFC 246 and crossed paths with Raiders owner Mark Davis. Photos of Brady and Davis together generated predictable buzz on social media, highlighting how Brady's future is not just arguably the biggest story of the upcoming NFL offseason, but perhaps in all of sports.

As part of the revised contract Brady agreed to with the Patriots in August, the team can't assign him the franchise tag, which gives the four-time Super Bowl MVP leverage to dictate his plans. If Brady returns to the Patriots for a 21st season in 2020, he would tie former Lions kicker Jason Hanson for the longest tenure with a team in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension in the summer of 2017, was booed out of the Oakland Coliseum on Dec. 15, the team's final game at their longtime venue, with fans throwing trash and food on the field following a last-minute loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.


Despite a revolving door at receiver, running back and on the offensive line due to injuries, Carr had career highs this season in passing yards (4,054), yards per attempt (7.9) and completion percentage (70.9), and his eight interceptions were the second fewest of his career. Still, Gruden seemed to grow frustrated with Carr's apparent reluctance to extend plays with his legs at times.

"I think that Derek is an amazing quarterback," Jacobs said on Friday. "I think that he's actually one of the smartest guys I've ever met. I mean, whatever they decide to do, we'll be in good hands. You can't ever really compare another quarterback to Tom Brady. But, I think that whatever they decide to do we'll be in good hands."

 

[Ramskin]

Brady's toast. The Pats will be done quickly in the playoffs, and my nightmare will finally end. I soo wished it would have ended after the Rams kicked their asses in the super bowl, but it didn't happen.

Maybe if Cooks could actually catch the damn ball. If we had Odell or Jones or Hopkins we win the SB.

 

[CGI_Ram]

If Tom Brady wants the 49ers, would the 49ers want Tom Brady?

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be a free agent in March, able to sign with any team.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

If Tom Brady wants the 49ers, would the 49ers want Tom Brady?

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be a free agent in March, able to sign with any team. And if Brady is determined to attend the Super Bowl next year as a participant not a spectator, there aren’t many spots that would give him a clear chance to do that.

One potential spot would be in the place not far from where Brady was raised, playing for the team he cheered on as a child: The San Francisco 49ers. With Santa Clara a mere 39 miles from his hometown of San Mateo — and with the 49ers currently loaded on both sides of the ball — Brady may be fascinated by the possibility of pursuing Ring No. 7 with a franchise that would match the Patriots with Ring No. 6.

So what if Brady calls G.M. John Lynch and/or coach Kyle Shanahan and makes it clear that he’s interested? (The oft-ignored tampering rules would require slightly more discretion than that, but it would be easy for Brady to send the message.) What would the 49ers say if they could swap out Jimmy Garoppolo (possibly, trade him back to the Patriots) for Brady?

It’s an intriguing prospect, to say the least. “He doesn’t fit the offense,” some will say. Others will respond by saying, “Make the offense fit him.”

Here’s the real question that 49ers fans objectively need to ask themselves: Would the 49ers have won the Super Bowl with Tom Brady at quarterback? If Lynch and Shanahan resolve that question in the affirmative, they also may think that they’d be more likely to win the next one with Brady.

However it plays out, the structure of Garoppolo’s contract gives the 49ers until April 1 to make a decision. On that day, $15.7 million of Garoppolo’s $23.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. Before April 1, the 49ers can escape the salary, a $600,000 workout bonus, and $800,000 in per-game roster bonuses by trading or cutting Garoppolo. The cap hit would be only $4.2 million.

So what will they do? It starts with what does Brady want to do? If he’s willing to take the same $25.2 million (plus maybe a few more bucks) that the 49ers will pay Garoppolo this year, the 49ers will have a big decision to make.

 

[Seth Griffith]

Speculation, and probably just doing their due diligence...But for what it’s worth, Giselle was in Nashville looking at private schools for their kid/kids. I have friends in real estate who were with them.

 

[Tano]

I'm not. I don't want to see his freaking face everytime there is a state farm commercial.

 

[CGI_Ram]

The possible trade that would cost Tom Brady an NFL free-agency option

Tom Brady can officially become a free agent in less than six weeks, plenty of time for more rampant speculation about what the Patriots have to do to keep him and which teams may pursue the 42-yea…

nypost.com

The possible trade that would cost Tom Brady an NFL free-agency option

Tom Brady can officially become a free agent in less than six weeks, plenty of time for more rampant speculation about what the Patriots have to do to keep him and which teams may pursue the 42-year-old quarterback.

The Chargers have been consistently linked with Brady as they appear to be done with Philip Rivers, who recently moved his family to Florida. Los Angeles is set to open its new shared stadium with the Rams this year and could use a big splash to lure more fans after it moved from San Diego in 2017.

There’s a new wrinkle, however, to their quarterback pursuit. Buzz is building about a potential Chargers trade for Panthers star Cam Newton, according to Bleacher Report.

Carolina could choose to move on from Newton and go with Kyle Allen or Will Grier. Newton, 30, would give the Chargers a proven quarterback for 2020, something they may want even if they decide to draft a potential franchise signal-caller at No. 6 in the 2020 NFL Draft, which Bleacher Report says is likely.

A Chargers trade for Newton would give Brady, who can become a free agent on March 18, one less option in free agency, possibly giving the Patriots a little more leverage — or opening the door for the Chargers’ division rival Raiders as they move to Las Vegas.

The Titans have been ruled out as a possibility for Brady with Ryan Tannehill expected to stay in Nashville — where students at a prep school recently sparked a rumor by mistaking a woman for Brady’s wife, Gisele Bündchen.

 

[CGI_Ram]

Report: Chargers expected to 'make a push' for Tom Brady

The Los Angeles Chargers, fresh off announcing Philip Rivers will not return in 2020, are reportedly in on soon-to-be free agent Tom Brady.

sportsnaut.com

REPORT: CHARGERS EXPECTED TO ‘MAKE A PUSH’ FOR TOM BRADY

The Los Angeles Chargers, fresh off announcing Philip Rivers will not return in 2020, are reportedly in on soon-to-be free agent Tom Brady.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, summing up a huge day for the Chargers, reported live on air that the Bolts are expected to be among the teams that will “make a push” to sign Tom Brady this spring.


View: https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1227026407295012864?s=21


Interestingly, this news comes just hours after Brady himself had an eye-opening response to the newsRivers would not return to the Chargers next season. It also follows another report that indicates the New England Patriots actually want Brady to test free agency, rather than re-sign him first.

Needless to say, the Tom Brady sweepstakes appears to be getting off to a roaring start, and we still have another month to go before anyone can sign the six-time Super Bowl champ.

 

[Jorgeh0605]

Does anyone else have the hope that the Chargers grab Tom Brady and that his workout plans and prep are seen by the Landlord LA Rams and Goff specifically?

 

[den-the-coach]

Does anyone else have the hope that the Chargers grab Tom Brady and that his workout plans and prep are seen by the Landlord LA Rams and Goff specifically?

I've had Tom Brady going to the Chargers since November and I will continue to be on that train. Spanos will realize he needs this to sell tickets and they will sign the hometown hero to a three year deal because Brady will be more important for the Chargers off the field then on.

 

[jetplt67]

I don't understand why Brady would even think about going to another team. That would be akin to the king trading in his Ferrari for a Hyundai.

 

[Selassie I]

Does anyone else have the hope that the Chargers grab Tom Brady and that his workout plans and prep are seen by the Landlord LA Rams and Goff specifically?

Goff has been using a QB Training facility in LA during the offseasons called 3DQB.

Brady, Brees, and Ryan train there too.

 

[Corbin]

If Tom Brady wants the 49ers, would the 49ers want Tom Brady?

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be a free agent in March, able to sign with any team.

profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

If Tom Brady wants the 49ers, would the 49ers want Tom Brady?

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be a free agent in March, able to sign with any team. And if Brady is determined to attend the Super Bowl next year as a participant not a spectator, there aren’t many spots that would give him a clear chance to do that.

One potential spot would be in the place not far from where Brady was raised, playing for the team he cheered on as a child: The San Francisco 49ers. With Santa Clara a mere 39 miles from his hometown of San Mateo — and with the 49ers currently loaded on both sides of the ball — Brady may be fascinated by the possibility of pursuing Ring No. 7 with a franchise that would match the Patriots with Ring No. 6.

So what if Brady calls G.M. John Lynch and/or coach Kyle Shanahan and makes it clear that he’s interested? (The oft-ignored tampering rules would require slightly more discretion than that, but it would be easy for Brady to send the message.) What would the 49ers say if they could swap out Jimmy Garoppolo (possibly, trade him back to the Patriots) for Brady?

It’s an intriguing prospect, to say the least. “He doesn’t fit the offense,” some will say. Others will respond by saying, “Make the offense fit him.”

Here’s the real question that 49ers fans objectively need to ask themselves: Would the 49ers have won the Super Bowl with Tom Brady at quarterback? If Lynch and Shanahan resolve that question in the affirmative, they also may think that they’d be more likely to win the next one with Brady.

However it plays out, the structure of Garoppolo’s contract gives the 49ers until April 1 to make a decision. On that day, $15.7 million of Garoppolo’s $23.8 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. Before April 1, the 49ers can escape the salary, a $600,000 workout bonus, and $800,000 in per-game roster bonuses by trading or cutting Garoppolo. The cap hit would be only $4.2 million.

So what will they do? It starts with what does Brady want to do? If he’s willing to take the same $25.2 million (plus maybe a few more bucks) that the 49ers will pay Garoppolo this year, the 49ers will have a big decision to make.

FFS I wish this would happen! I could rag on everyone who is up Jimmy G's ass that he's the second coming of Brady! Then we destroy Brady and they are a total garbage heap! I'd love to see AD toss around Brady like he does the Wussell! lmao

 

[CGI_Ram]

I don't understand why Brady would even think about going to another team. That would be akin to the king trading in his Ferrari for a Hyundai.

I am with you... really struggling to see why he would.

Unless... with all he’s achieved in life, he wants this challenge?

I’d try the challenge of retirement, myself. Lol

 

[RamFan503]

FFS I wish this would happen! I could rag on everyone who is up Jimmy G's ass that he's the second coming of Brady! Then we destroy Brady and they are a total garbage heap! I'd love to see AD toss around Brady like he does the Wussell! lmao

AD may single handedly be responsible for him staying out of the NFCW.

 

[Ram65]

I've had Tom Brady going to the Chargers since November and I will continue to be on that train. Spanos will realize he needs this to sell tickets and they will sign the hometown hero to a three year deal because Brady will be more important for the Chargers off the field then on.
View attachment 33879

Stick with your call which would be very interesting on many levels.

I wonder what signing Brady would bring in money wise. I don't how to put a value on it. It would help the Chargers to become relevant which currently they aren't. You have to wonder how many Pastie fans would come out to see Brady.

 

[CGI_Ram]

If you want my opinion... this is what’s going on....

Tom’s got 1-2 more years, he’s asking the team to stretch the cap over those final years for one more run.

Will the Pats approach the offseason differently? More short term focus, so to speak.

———

Tom Brady Patriots Return Reportedly in the Cards With Expectation Team Provides Him More Weapons

The New England Patriots are expected to retain Tom Brady and provide him with more weapons, such as Bengals WR AJ Green or Chargers TE Hunter Henry

www.12up.com

Tom Brady Patriots Return Reportedly in the Cards With Expectation Team Provides Him More Weapons

The question of whether the New England Patriots need Tom Brady more, or if the reality is the opposite, might be answered sooner rather than later.

According to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report, the feeling around the NFL is that Brady will return to New England, but that is only one cog in the machine of New England's offseason plans.

Head coach Bill Belichick knows he can't win with anyone else under center, but also needs to give his 42-year-old quarterback more firepower on offense.

The Patriots are reportedly looking to bring in some weapons for Brady this offseason, with Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green and Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry as potential acquisitions.

Brady will be entering his 21st season in the NFL in 2020, and expects to play beyond that until he is 45. He has played his entire career with the Patriots. The expiration of his current contract has given rise to endless speculation about him leaving New England for another team.