Tom Brady live blog: Tracking his free agency decision
Where will Brady play next season?
Quarterback Tom Brady’s contract will expire Tuesday at 4 p.m.
For the first time in his 20-year NFL career, Brady, at 42 years old, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Starting Monday at noon, teams are allowed to contact Brady’s agent Don Yee.
Here are the latest updates:
Thursday, March 19
Brady is undergoing his physical in NYC: ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reports Brady’s physical will take place Thursday in New York. The physical will not be with the Buccaneers’ team doctors, as a result of the travel ban the league put in place amid the coronavirus outbreak. Said Darlington: “Everything is moving along just fine.”
Wednesday, March 18
The Brady-Bucs deal is not quite yet: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brady and the Buccaneers are still trying to finalize contract language. Said Schefter: “No problems foreseen with Bucs-Brady, but no deal yet.”
Tuesday, March 17
Brady is expected to sign with the Buccaneers: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington, the Buccaneers are “the expected landing spot” for Brady. There is no signing date or official announcement scheduled as of yet. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Brady’s anticipated deal will be worth “roughly $30 million” per year.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht did not have an update on the team’s negotiations with Brady: Licht told ESPN’s Adam Schefter the two sides spoke Monday but have not yet spoken on Tuesday. Added Licht: “We’re waiting to see what Tom decides just like everybody else.”
We may not hear about Brady’s future plans until Wednesday or later: According to NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran, there will be no other Brady announcements on Tuesday.
Brady will be “exploring his options” for next season: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brady has not yet made a decision on where he will play next season and will be “exploring his options.”
Brady announced that his “football journey will take place elsewhere”: In a post on social media, Brady thanked the Patriots and wrote: “Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments.”
The Patriots and Brady are reportedly not any closer to making a deal: ESPN’s Mike Reiss said on ESPN’s “Get Up!” Tuesday morning that Yee spent Monday talking to other teams.
Tuesday morning Patriots live report on @GetUpESPN. pic.twitter.com/N4NqAh0FCq
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2020
Monday, March 16
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly reached out to Brady’s camp:
I am told the Tampa Bay Bucs have made the intentions to Tom Brady loud and clear.
— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 16, 2020
Three teams are expected to make a run at Brady: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport laid out three options for Brady: the Los Angeles Chargers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Patriots. According to Rapoport, despite creating some buzz, the Las Vegas Raiders are not a potential suitor. Said Rapoport: “It’s really about, for Brady, where does he want to be? The money can always be worked out. With the Patriots, he has always gotten a deal done. Where does Tom Brady want to play football? What gives him the best chance to win?”
From @nflnetwork: A look at what is ahead for free agent QB Tom Brady… and like most free agents it could come down to where does he want to win? pic.twitter.com/tgyowEAcuE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2020
Brady reportedly “does not have anything close to a deal” with the Patriots: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there haven’t been “any substantial contract negotiations” between Brady and the Patriots. Said Schefter: “Now, I know people think, ‘Oh, he’s going back to New England.’ What makes them think that?”
“Tom Brady does not have anything close to a deal in New England yet.” @AdamSchefter gives us the latest as NFL free agency approaches. pic.twitter.com/yJxd91Y6DK
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 16, 2020
Sunday, March 15
There are reportedly two possibilities for Brady: The options are the Patriots or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chris Simms reported Sunday afternoon. Simms says he expects Brady to return to New England.
The San Francisco 49ers are also reportedly “out” on Brady: According to Chris Simms, the 49ers are “out” on Brady. Simms called the 49ers Brady’s “No. 1 choice.” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer later corroborated Simms, confirming San Francisco is moving forward with Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Tennessee Titans are not an option for Brady: Despite rumors — and a FaceTime call with coach Mike Vrabel — Brady won’t be headed to the Titans. ESPN’s Dianna Russini first reported Sunday the Titans were out on Brady because they were working to get a deal done with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who, after taking over the starting job from Marcus Mariota, led Tennessee to the AFC Championship Game last season. Later Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tannehill and the Titans agreed to an extension. According to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the four-year deal is worth $118 million with $62 million guaranteed.
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