Ronde Barber: Bucs looking to 'evolve away from' Tom Brady

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-Bucs CB says team is looking to 'evolve away from' Tom Brady

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/21/23

Tom Brady certainly gave the impression he’d played his last down for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his post-game media availability following Tampa’s 31-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last weekend.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that several Tampa Bay players believe Brady won’t return next season — a sentiment shared by former Bucs All-Pro cornerback Ronde Barber, who’s now an NFL analyst for The 33rd Team.

“I’m not sure that they really should keep Tom,” Barber said. “I think this team is at a point where they’re going to let him make the decision. Obviously, it’s Tom Brady, he can make the decision. But this team probably is looking to evolve a little bit away from what they have once been. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s somewhat of a mutual parting if he is not here in the 2023-24 season.”

According to Rapoport, the sentiment in the Bucs locker room following their playoff elimination was Brady had said his final goodbyes to the team.

The Bucs have fired offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. The team is making sweeping changes to their coaching staff following an 8-9 regular season and wildcard loss to Dallas. As many as five offensive assistants and two on defense are expected to be let go.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 19, 2023

And with the firing of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich — and several other offensive assistants who were also shown the door — Bucs head coach Todd Bowles will be afforded the chance to assemble his own offensive staff, likely shifting from what Tampa Bay ran the last three years with Brady under center.

The 45-year-old Brady, who posting a 32-18 record with one Super Bowl title and one Pro Bowl appearance in three years in Tampa, has already been linked to several teams including the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and Tennessee Titans.

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