The idea of Tom Brady playing for a team other than the New England Patriots may be a lot more realistic than many are willing to acknowledge.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington has been saying for weeks now that Brady is more likely than not to leave the Patriots. On Thursday, the reporter said people “very close” to Brady have been told by Brady that the six-time Super Bowl champion is not returning to New England. Darlington added that he would be “stunned” if Brady re-signs with the Patriots.
Jeff Darlington says Tom Brady has told people "very close" to him: "I'm going somewhere else."
Adds he'd be "stunned if Tom Brady returns to the Patriots." pic.twitter.com/4hRzqPeWhM
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) February 27, 2020
Another reporter, The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, says there has been “strong buzz” at the NFL Combine this week that Brady will not return to New England.
The strong buzz in Indy this week is that Tom Brady won’t return to the Patriots. Will be first domino to fall in QB musical chairs. #NFLCombine
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 27, 2020
But wait, there’s more. Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald was told by a source that the Patriots have yet to reach out to Brady to discuss a new contract and the prospect of Brady returning to the team is “not looking good.”
The Patriots still have not reached out to Tom Brady. According to a source, “it’s not looking good”
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) February 27, 2020
Either Brady truly is on the verge of parting ways with the Patriots, or his camp is trying to turn up the heat on the team. There has been such an influx of new reports painting a grim picture of the negotiations between the two sides that the latter may be more likely.
If Brady truly is leaving, the big question is where he will sign. The Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders have been mentioned as possibilities, while one of the early favorites seems to no longer be in the running. Unless the Patriots have no interest in re-signing Brady, you would have to think Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft will have their say at some point.
