Tom Brady just announced on social media that he is unretiring and returning to the Buccaneers.
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
In other social media news, Devin McCourty announced via his two children that he is returning for season No. 13 with the Patriots.
Year 13…here we go!!!!!-Dmac pic.twitter.com/pTKoJt1GuI
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 13, 2022
Lastly, agent Drew Rosenhaus announced the Patriots put the second-round tender on WR Jakobi Meyers, and did not tender FB Jakob Johnson, who now becomes a free agent.
BSJ ANALYSIS: DID BRADY MAKE A TAMPA POWER PLAY?
On Brady ... we really didn't think the QB was done yet, mostly because he didn't "suck" last season, as he was arguably the MVP of the league. It is a shock, however, that he is returning to the Buccaneers. Brady visited the Glazer family at Manchester United today, and then made the announcement. You have to wonder if, as opposed to the Krafts, if the Glazers went to Brady and asked him what it would take for him to come back, and then made that happen — in the form of more money or, possibly, wanting a coaching change. We'll have to see how that plays out.
I find it hard to believe that Brady truly thought he was done when he retired. It appeared he was done with his situation in Tampa, which led him to retire, at that time. What would have changed in Tampa that would have made him change his mind? Either he seriously didn't like being at home, or the Bucs made some concessions to him. Of course, this is just speculation and Brady just could have had a change of heart.
On McCourty, this is very good news for the Patriots and not a surprise. The reported compensation of $9 million for one season indicates his contract will now void in 2023. That should give the Patriots a little bit of cap relief, but not much. The important thing is that McCourty sticks around to give the defensive backfield stability, especially with what's going on at cornerback. There are going to be a lot of green faces out there, and having McCourty in the backend makes it a better situation for the Patriots.
Meyers clearly earned that tender. We now await news on Gunner Olszewski, who was in the same spot as Meyers and Johnson.
Johnson could very well be back — it's not like fullbacks are in high demand. Plus, I would not be surprised if the Patriots entertain the idea of bringing in a more athletic fullback. Patrick Ricard (Ravens), Andy Janovich (Browns), Michael Burton (Chiefs), Alec Ingold (Raiders), and Khari Blasingame (Titans) are all on the market as well.