Report: Dolphins had huge Tom Brady-centered plan for 2022 before lawsuit

The Miami Dolphins have had a busy offseason of denying explosive allegations and hiring a new head coach, but they were apparently looking to make even bigger headlines at one point.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Dolphins had plans to pursue Sean Payton as their head coach and Tom Brady as their quarterback before Brian Flores named them in his discrimination lawsuit. Dolphins sources who requested anonymity told Florio that the team asked the New Orleans Saints for permission to speak with Payton after the coach announced his resignation on Jan. 25. Flores filed his lawsuit a week later.

Payton remains under contract with the Saints. Even if he were interested in coaching in Miami, the Dolphins would have had to agree to a compensation package with New Orleans.

The same goes for Brady, who remains on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster until at least June 2. Miami has apparently been pursuing Brady for two years. Sources told Florio that the Dolphins have wanted to sell the seven-time time Super Bowl champion on the idea of becoming a part-owner and player for the team. Brady is friends with Bruce Beal, who is a limited partner with the Dolphins and could eventually buy the team from majority owner Stephen Ross.

While the Dolphins are set at head coach now that they have hired Mike McDaniel, they may still be interested in Brady. McDaniel seems excited about the possibility of working with Tua Tagovailoa, but Miami’s brass would likely have the final say.

One of the allegations Flores made in his lawsuit had to do with the Dolphins pursuing Brady. The idea of Brady playing for Miami in 2022 seems farfetched, but it would not be a shock if he joined an NFL ownership group at some point.

Photo: Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) drops back to pass in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports