LAC could have been a good landing spot, but there are plenty of reasons why TB chose TB.
Why did Tom Brady, the G.O.A.T. and living legend, want to go to perennially losing Tampa Bay to close out his career? The big reason is that few teams were looking for a 43-year-old quarterback to lead their team–even if he’s a player whose name is synonymous with greatness. Brady only had three, maybe four, teams interested in signing him.
Courtesy: Sporting News
Even so, many of us thought that the Los Angeles Chargers would be the best landing spot. Sure, a big downside is that Brady would have to play Pat Mahomes twice a season. But on the business side, Brady would have filled that brand-new stadium.
The Chargers have offensive weapons, too, including his favorite target, tight end. The Bolts just re-signed Hunter Henry, a top-five, pass-catching TE. Plus, there’s Austin Ekeler (a replica of James White, only bigger), who’s the kind of player Tom relies on when it counts.
With all those positives, I’m scratching my head.
But I also know that the Buccaneers have pretty darn good players, too. There’s TE O.J. Howard, who’s a player with great athletic ability. And the Bucs may have the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Sure, Tampa Bay could use some help on the offensive line, but I think the team will address that need in the 2020 Draft and through trades.
And let us not gloss over something important: Tampa’s defense is much better than the numbers suggest. The defense often seemed vulnerable because Jameis Winston turned over the ball so much. The odds are that Tom Brady won’t throw 30 interceptions (he likely won’t throw half that many). That QB difference alone could mean 3-4 more wins a year.
Plus, in Tampa, Tom gets beautiful weather, no state income tax (like that matters), and no more cold and snowy winters. There won’t be any more cold scowls from Bill Belichick, either.
Courtesy: CBSSports
Playing for his former head coach is reason enough to sign. Brady has tremendous respect for Bruce Arians. Sure, Arians will have his say, but Brady will be cool with that. He knows Arians loves to throw the ball downfield. What quarterback doesn’t want to hear that?!
Tom’s relationships with the Bucs’ staff doesn’t end with the head coach, either. From their days in New England, Brady is tight with Bucs’ GM Jason Litch. He also has an ongoing and long relationship with Tom Moore, who’s the Bucs’ offensive consultant.
There’s more, too. With seven conference teams making the postseason per the new CBA, I’m sure Brady believes the Bucs have a good chance to make the tournament, perhaps even make some noise. A Super Bowl appearance is highly unlikely but, then again, the 49ers went from 4-12 in 2018 to the Super Bowl. You never know!
Well, Tampa Bay, you’ve got Tom Brady. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay is now your town. That makes TB/TB a match. Might as well name this marriage ‘Tampa Brady!’
