Report: Pats 'feared' Brady would sign with Dolphins in 2020

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Patriots 'feared' Tom Brady would sign with Dolphins in 2020

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Johnson | Last updated 6/28/21

Tom Brady knew he would leave the New England Patriots months before he even hit free agency. When the day finally arrived and the greatest quarterback in NFL history made his departure official, the Patriots knew the one team they didn’t want him to sign with.

Brady hit the open market last spring looking for the right landing spot. Not only did he want to compete for his seventh Super Bowl, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback also wanted to find a place where he and his family would be very comfortable.

The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saint, Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all made efforts to sign the all-time NFL great. As everything unfolded, Bill Belichick and the Patriots were apparently just hoping he didn’t sign with one team.

According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, New England feared Brady would sign with the Miami Dolphins. While the franchise was coming off a tough season, many believed it was a quarterback away from taking a leap, and Miami offered the lifestyle Brady would like.

Ultimately, the Patriots were worried about the wrong team. Even before Brady signed, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross scoffed at rumors suggesting his team would land the star quarterback.

Brady did move to Florida, buying in to the Buccaneers’ vision. Playing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and with the best defense in the NFL supporting him, the Buccaneers delivered on their greatest hope.

After a poor showing in the NFC Championship Game, throwing three interceptions, Brady rebounded in Super Bowl LV. Thanks to a three-touchdown performance, including two scores to Rob Gronkowski, Brady won his seventh Lombardi Trophy and his fifth Super Bowl MVP.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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