Tom Brady still on Buccaneers' roster despite retirement

Brady is signed through the 2022 season, and Williams pointed out that Licht told reporters Tuesday the Buccaneers have "been talking with Tom’s agents" about the $16 million in signing-bonus money paid to the signal-caller that he would technically "earn" only if he played another campaign. 

If the Buccaneers ultimately place Brady on the reserve/retired list, they'd hold onto his rights because of his contract. However, Brady would be free to do whatever he wishes if the Buccaneers elected to offer him a release. 

A free-agent Brady could put pen to paper on a one-day contract and retire as a member of the New England Patriots, where he played for the first two decades of his historic career. An unattached G.O.A.T. could also have a change of heart and play for a different club, such as the San Francisco 49ers that he supported during his younger days. 

There's no rush for either side to do anything official, as the new league year doesn't open until next month. Nevertheless, it's fun to speculate about Brady potentially swerving everyone and fulfilling his previously announced goal of playing past his 45th birthday in August.