Tom Brady’s days playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to be numbered, but his days playing in the NFL could very well continue for at least one more season. If he decides to move on from the Bucs, there are sure to be many suitors for his championship services in NFL free agency next year.
The Buccaneers will likely limp into the NFL playoffs as the saddest division winner in 2022. Assuming they win their next two games — far from a guarantee — they will finish a game over .500 and surely be an underdog heading into their wild-card playoff matchup.
Suffice it to say, this Tampa Bay team is far removed from the unit that brought a Super Bowl home in 2020. The organization seems in a transition period after head coach Bruce Arians retired before the season, and Brady is unlikely to return to an organization on the cusp of a rebuild for what could be his final professional season.
Despite his advanced age, if the 45-year-old chooses to delay a career in broadcasting for another year, he will still be a sought-after talent in NFL free agency despite a down year. With that in mind, here are five playoff-caliber teams who could see Brady as the missing ingredient to a Super Bowl contender in 2023.
Miami Dolphins
Brady landing with the Miami Dolphins as a part owner and player was a real possibility before this season. However, that never came to pass, and the strong start for QB Tua Tagovailoa seemed to put the idea of Brady in Miami to bed. That is until Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol yet again as his play dipped at the tail end of the season.
Clearly, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Brady have a good relationship. If the 2022 Miami team falls flat in the playoffs, expect Ross to make a push for Brady again — despite their tampering past — with future ownership being a key selling point.
New York Giants
The New York Giants could have a QB opening heading into 2023 with Daniel Jones far from a guarantee to be re-signed in the offseason. The Giants organization isn’t one that makes major free-agent signings. However, the team could decide a pact with Brady could be worth it to make a hard one-year run at a fifth Lombardi Trophy for the franchise.
The future Hall-of-Famer could certainly be intrigued by working with a respected offensive mind like head coach Brian Daboll and Pro Bowl running back like Saquon Barkley (if the team re-signs him).
Las Vegas Raiders
With the unsurprising news that the Las Vegas Raiders benched Derek Carr on this week, they will clearly be in the hunt for a new QB next season. Head coach Josh McDaniels has a championship history with Brady, and there were influential individuals in Las Vegas who made a strong effort to bring the NFL legend there a few years ago.
At this juncture of his career, and considering the talent on the team, Brady in Silver and Black makes all the sense in the world for a season or two.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders could be sold in the next few months, and there would be no better big splash for the new ownership group than to sign a living legend like Brady. It is unclear if head coach Ron Rivera will be retained, but the roster certainly has some very nice pieces. A new head coach — possibly Sean Payton — could make the Commanders a top contender for the 15-time Pro Bowler’s services.
San Francisco 49ers
A lot has to happen in the next few months, but if the clock finally strikes midnight on Brock Purdy’s Cinderella ride with the San Francisco 49ers, they could be the top contender for Brady in the offseason. They have an elite defense to keep scores low and top offensive toys in Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey to play with.
It’s been almost 30 years since the 49ers' last Super Bowl win. The organization will be as desperate as ever if it has another disappointing finish in this year’s playoffs.
More must-reads: