An NFL insider suggested former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is flagging teams about his availability for the 2024 regular season. Brady made headlines last week when he said he was open to returning for a quarterback-needy team if the NFL would “let” him play.
Tom Brady is “training” for something
Brady invited further speculation regarding a potential return when a video for the apparel company NoBull of him “training” went viral on social media. At 46, Brady looks to be in good enough shape to play for an NFL team this fall.
Mike Florio doesn’t think this is a coincidence
Mike Florio with NBC Sports wrote he believes Brady is showing genuine interest in playing for a team in the upcoming season:
Personally, I interpreted that as a message from Brady to any team that might be interested in him for the full season. If he can sign up and play during the season, why not join a quarterback-needy team now?
With Brady, there are no accidents or coincidences. Everything is planned. (That’s not a criticism, just a reality.) He knew what his words would do. He had an objective in uttering them.
The timing of Brady’s appearances invites more speculation. He’s making those comments right before a draft in which several teams are reportedly interested in moving up to take a top quarterback. In the draft’s game of musical chairs, some teams will fall on their butt and will be forced to look for alternate options under center.
Brady is letting the New England Patriots know he’s available
Florio thinks Brady has a few options:
“Brady, I believe, wants the phone to run before or right after the draft. He mentioned the Raiders and Patriots. Other quarterback-needy teams could be interested, too, depending on what happens next week.
The Broncos, the Vikings, even the Commanders could decide to roll the dice with Brady for a year.
Regardless, Brady is making sure teams know he’s available.”
Brady is already under contract for the 2024 season to call NFL games with Fox. He’s set to earn $375 million over the next ten seasons–not bad money when you don’t have to fear taking a hit from a 300-pound defensive lineman. One has to wonder if he could still command $37.5 million per season playing in the league after taking a season off.
Of course, Brady doesn’t need the money. He has plenty of it after playing at the league’s most valuable position for over two decades. The desire to feel the rush of being a quarterback seems to trump anything Brady can do in retirement. If he can still play, why not push off broadcasting for another year…or two?
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