Welcome to the Two-Minute Drill, a roundup of all the (mostly) Patriots-related offseason news you need to start your Tuesday. Grab your mochaccino or whatever, and let's boogie...
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After the ominous developments over the weekend — and I don't know how Field Yates' reports can be viewed by Tom Brady other than a (final?) slap in the face by Bill Belichick and the Patriots (notice how I didn't say the Krafts ... they're trying to get as far away from this as possible) — it's time to reset the market for Brady from our previous thoughts because if it's not there already, it's inching toward it being more probable than not Brady is playing elsewhere in about a week.
And there are newish developments on the market front.
THE LEADER?
Tennessee Titans: I've long thought the Titans would be the favorite for Brady and that it makes a lot of sense for Mike Vrabel and Jon Robinson. Outside of the big market, the Titans could give Brady everything he appears to be seeking: respect, a partnership, weapons, good offensive line, contending team (in a weak division) and cap space.
But the Titans are in a really tough spot — unless Vrabel already has an agreement with Brady. Provided the new CBA gets done and they have one tag to use (on Derrick Henry), they could find themselves starting over at quarterback if they don't play this right because both Brady (Patriots, Chargers) and Tannehill (Raiders, among others) could land elsewhere and Tennessee could be left with nothing at quarterback and having to start over at the most important position with a team ready to contend. That's a big risk, again, unless Vrabel already knows Brady is locked in.
That's why, as I reported last week, league sources expect the Titans to make a strong effort to re-sign Tannehill before free agency starts and the specter of Brady could help them do it at a reduced cost. This meshes with a report from today from Diana Russini via old buddy Nick Cattles:
SERIOUS THREAT
Los Angeles Chargers: We all know the situation out there. They desperately need in need of a name like Brady, but this wouldn't be a move consistent with GM Tom Telesco. He could very well be overruled by ownership. This is a solid situation for Brady since, with a new offensive coordinator, he could more easily imprint the scheme than in Vegas with Jon Gruden's west coast attack. And as with the Raiders, Brady would have to compete against the Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes. If Brady just wanted to leave and finish somewhere good in a big market, Mr. Producer could certainly do worse than LA.
IN THE PICTURE
Las Vegas Raiders: A new NFL market close to LA makes some sense, but I still believe this team is a couple years out from really contending against the Chiefs with a defense that is going to be largely revamped. Plus, it would be the toughest scheme for Brady to transition into.
IF YOU'RE DESPERATE
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Coach Bruce Arians has all but told us he's going to be the first team to call Brady. I'm sure they'll make him a hefty offer, and those weapons and the division (outside New Orleans) will be very tempting, but this is a bad team/philosophy fit. Plus it's Tampa. I can see this only if the other three don't work out and Brady refuses to take anything Belichick offers.
LONGSHOTS
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan runs everything out there so don't pay attention to anything that Jon Lynch has said about Jimmy Garoppolo. Still, this would be a surprise because Garoppolo's best years are ahead of him. Even still, Shanahan might prefer to get Kirk Cousins (better fit and knows the scheme) from the Vikings before Brady and, boy, would that set off a chain reaction.
Minnesota Vikings: If the 49ers make a move for Cousins, that would put the Vikings in play for Brady and Garoppolo on course for New England. Like we said, quite the chain reaction. Vikings can't make a move for Brady without moving Cousins.
Indianapolis Colts: They'll probably call as part of their due diligence to find competition for Jacoby Brissett, but Brady would not be a move consistent with Chris Ballard's method of operation. He loves to find his own answers to problems and has uber confidence in his own abilities.
Denver Broncos: Don't ever sleep on John Elway with veteran quarterbacks.
Chicago Bears: The only way Ryan Pace could likely save his job down the line is to pull Brady out of his hat.
New York Giants: Would be a shrewd move by GM Dave Gettleman but not something that's consistent with the rest of his career.
Miami Dolphins: I give this about a 1 percent chance with a rebuilding team.
FINAL THOUGHTS
If the Titans make a move on Tannehill before free agency, then Brady is really left with just the Chargers, Raiders and the Bucs. Would he really rather go to those places than New England? Maybe Belichick knows what he's doing (again) with how he's handling Brady.
Elsewhere...
1. The NFL has announced the tag window has been extended to match the CBA voting. They almost have to push back the tampering period (March 16) and new league year as well (March 18).
A different option that a lot of people tie Brady to-The @chargers The Pros and Cons for him and that team ?? @getupespn pic.twitter.com/CJfhGqBucc
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 3, 2020