The 2022 season has been a struggle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They are currently atop the NFC South but have a record of 5-6 as they don’t look like they will be a serious contender for the Super Bowl this season even if they hold on and make the postseason. However, no one is going to count out a team that is led by Tom Brady. But, could he return to the New England Patriots?
Brady is as competitive as anyone and will do everything he can to help lead his team to wins. Even at 45, he still looks like he can get the job done as he leads the NFL in completions and pass attempts. But, given what has occurred with him off the field and his age, it is fair to wonder what his future will hold.
Brady is heading toward free agency and it is anyone’s guess what he will do. He has already retired once, so stepping away from the game is certainly a possibility. With no long-term plan in place, the Buccaneers would likely welcome Brady back with open arms.
But, Tampa Bay won’t be the only team pursuing him should he decide to continue playing. Could he even have a reunion with his former team, the New England Patriots? There is reportedly a chance that Brady returns to the Patriots this offseason.
It would certainly be a shock if Brady went back to New England after spending three seasons with the Buccaneers. They used a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft on Mac Jones, so casting him aside after only two seasons would certainly be a bit surprising.
It would also seem to be a bad business decision for Tom Brady to leave a team with weapons in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for Jakobi Meyers as the No. 1 option. If he is going to leave the Buccaneers, it would be for a team closer to contending.
New England likely wouldn’t be his top option in free agency despite his familiarity with the organization. They aren’t nearly as close to contending as other teams around the league that could be seeking an upgrade at the quarterback position next offseason. The San Francisco 49ers are one team to keep an eye on in that regard as Jimmy Garoppolo is heading into free agency and Trey Lance will be returning from an injury.
