Tom Brady will reportedly head to the NFC South to finish out his NFL career.
Multiple reports now indicate that the 42-year-old quarterback is set to sign a multi-year contract with the Tampa Bay Bucs. ESPN and NFL Network both confirmed the report that was floated by Colin Cowherd earlier this afternoon. The Chargers were also in the running for Brady's services but fell short.
Tampa Bay was a late-emerging suitor for the 20-year veteran in recent weeks, with reports indicating that the franchise was all in on making a move for Brady after another disappointing season with Jameis Winston at the helm. The No. 1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in the same season during a 7-9 season for the Bucs.
Ian Rapaport of the NFL Network indicates that Brady is expected to earn roughly $30 million per year with the Bucs for the duration of his deal but the exact length has not been revealed.
The Bucs are a franchise in desperate need of a turnaround having gone 13 years without playing in a playoff game. Currently, only the Cleveland Browns have a longer playoff drought in the league.
Brady should find himself surrounded by an array of talented skill players on the Bucs offense thanks to receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans and tight end O.J. Howard. Tampa Bay is also expected to still have significant cap room remaining after the signing.
Tampa Bay is not on the Patriots schedule for the 2020 regular season but they are expected to be on the docket for 2021 if the NFL keeps with its current schedule rotation of NFC teams. In the meantime, here is a look at who Brady will face off with during the 2020 season.
The 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers schedule is so fun. Brady vs Rodgers at least once, vs Brees twice, Mahomes, Raiders, Chargers, Denver, Patricia. Lordy. pic.twitter.com/VHFlvUA7ZJ
— Kyle Broughton (@KyleBroughton4) March 17, 2020