Tom Brady officially retired from football two weeks ago, but that hasn’t stopped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from thinking they can get the quarterback behind center again.
As the Buccaneers look to solidify the quarterback position heading into next season, they haven’t ruled out finding a way to bring back Brady, according to NFL.com.
Tampa Bay is ready to do “whatever is necessary for him to return,” Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport wrote, and the seven-time Super Bowl winner has not completely ruled out the idea himself.
On Feb. 1, after reports had indicated Brady would hang up the cleats, the future Hall of Famer confirmed the news on his Instagram.
“I have always believed the sport of football is an ‘all-in’ proposition — if a 100% competitive commitment isn’t there, you won’t succeed and success is what I love so much about our game,” Brady wrote. “There is a physical, mental, and emotional challenge EVERY single day that has allowed me to maximize my highest potential. And I have tried my very best these past 22 years. There are no shortcuts to success on the field or in life.
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“This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that competitive commitment anymore. I have loved my NFL career, and now it is time to focus my time and energy on other things that require my attention.”
The decision was made, but that hasn’t stopped speculation that Brady could return. Recently, Rob Gronkowski said he could see Brady make an NFL comeback “in a couple of years,” and Julian Edelman said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Brady ended up on the field again.
Tom Brady throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game on Jan. 23, 2022. APHowever, if Brady doesn’t return, the Bucs have kept a watchful eye on the trade market, NFL.com reported.
They’ve done some digging on Texans QB Deshaun Watson — who did not play a snap in 2021 amid 22 active civil lawsuits by women alleging sexual misconduct — and could also explore a trade for the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson.
If Brady is in fact done, he finishes his career with 84,520 passing yards and 624 touchdowns – both all-time NFL records.
