NFL reporter Mike Florio: 'I think Tom Brady will end up with the 49ers'

At this point, it's nearly impossible to ignore the rumors and rumblings linking legendary quarterback Tom Brady with an exit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers via a move other than his retirement. 

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman and current radio personality Rich Ohrnberger, who once played alongside Brady, generated buzz last Friday when he tweeted the 44-year-old's alleged retirement was more so caused by a "souring" relationship with Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians than by his desire to ride off into the sunset. Former Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown said last Thursday he thinks Brady will look to join a club capable of winning the Super Bowl next February. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio and Patriots radio broadcaster Scott Zolak have both openly speculated this month that Brady wants to head to the San Francisco 49ers, his beloved childhood team. Florio doubled down on that opinion Monday and wrote: "I think Tom Brady will play for the 49ers in 2022." 

For what it's worth, Florio added: "I don’t know that he will. I’m not predicting that he will. But I have a feeling that he will. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t. If he does, many will be surprised. I won’t be." 

By all accounts, the 49ers are prepared to trade veteran Jimmy Garoppolo to any buyer so 2021 rookie Trey Lance can become their new QB1. However, a theory floated out there is that some, perhaps even coach Kyle Shanahan, believe Lance is not ready and/or capable of leading San Francisco past or even to the NFC Championship Game. 

As of Monday afternoon, the Buccaneers still hold Brady's rights for the 2022 season and, thus, would have to agree to trade him or release him if he wanted to play for a different team come September. 

"He delivered a Super Bowl win," Florio wrote of Brady's relationship with the Buccaneers. "He filled the stadium in 2021. He signed an extension last year for cap reasons. Would they tell him 'tough crap' if he asked to be traded or released?"

For whatever reasons, more than a few people in the NFL community are preparing themselves for the second "Brady Watch" since February 2020.