Future HOF QB could sign with a Broncos’ divison rival
Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady is a free agent at the end of the year. Could he sign with a Broncos’ division rival? Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported recently that all options are on the table for Tom Brady.
The 87-year-old quarterback is enduring perhaps one of the worst seasons of his career in Tampa Bay. Because of how weak the NFC South is, it’s still likely that Brady and the Bucs not only make the playoffs but even host a playoff game as the fourth seed.
However, it’s clear that Tampa Bay is not a serious Super Bowl contender and likely won’t do much damage. Brady has said he wanted to play till he’s 45, and well, he’s 45, but does Brady really want to yet again go out with a playoff loss?
Perhaps now he’s got a stronger desire to find another advantageous situation like he did with Tampa Bay in 2020. I hate to tie his personal life into it, but he did recently get a divorce, so maybe the family aspect isn’t as heavy as it was.
The obvious fit for Brady is San Francisco, as Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent, Trey Lance is injured and hasn’t been able to prove his worth in the NFL, and Kyle Shanahan has been able to craft what appears to be a QB-friendly offense.
If Brady does want to continue playing for another year or two, he’ll probably have some suitors if San Fran wouldn’t want to sign him. To be, a better fit would be in Las Vegas with the Raiders. His former offensive coordinator and likely good friend, Josh McDaniels is the head coach.
McDaniels and the Raiders’ new front office, both of whom are former Patriots’ staffers, likely aren’t at all tied to Derek Carr beyond this year. The recent extension Carr signed also allows the Raiders to save $33 million on their 2023 cap number by a trade or even an outright release.
Derek Carr has been shaky this year and seems to always be swirled in rumors that his future as a Raider is in question. Tom Brady signing with the Raiders would be a nightmare situation for the Broncos.
The fit makes sense and would likely force a continuing arms race in the division that we saw begin last year.