Where will Tom Brady play in 2020? Only 4 teams seem realistic

For the first time in his illustrious career, Tom Brady is set to be an unrestricted free agent. His current contract will officially void after Super Bowl 54, and thanks to some crafty contractual language, the New England Patriots cannot use their franchise tag on the four-time Super Bowl MVP.

Over the past two weeks, Brady’s future has been the hot topic of conversation around the National Football League (Adam Schefter actually started floating the idea that Brady could be prepping to leave New England back in October, for what it’s worth). It has become clear, though, that Brady feels like he still has something left to prove (what that is remains to be seen), and he fully intends to play in 2020. To top that off, there hasn’t been a significant drop off in Brady’s physical (throwing) ability.

Some of the most well-respected journalists, reporters, and analysts have weighed in on potential landing spots for the winningest (both regular season and postseason) quarterback in NFL history, but only Brady’s inner circle truly knows where he plans to (or would like to) play in 2020.

With that being said, there are really only four options that make sense as landing spots for Brady at this point in his career.

New England Patriots

Despite all of the chatter, the Patriots have to be considered the team Brady is most likely to be suiting up for when Week 1 of the 2020 season rolls around. The Pats obviously need to do a better job of surrounding the three-time NFL MVP with playmakers on offense, but the relationships and familiarity with the franchise are already in place.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Brady flirt with teams on the open market, but ultimately return to finish out his career with the only franchise he’s known.

Side note: Brady reportedly won’t be willing to give the Patriots another hometown discount this time around.

Indianapolis Colts

With all due respect, Indianapolis isn’t the type of market that will do much for Brady’s post-football career endeavors, and it likely won’t be his wife’s supermodel Giselle Bundchen, preferred destination, either.

Nonetheless, the Colts make a lot of sense from a purely football perspective. They have a great offensive line, plenty of talent for Brady to spread the ball around to, and a steadily improving defense.

If the Colts are ready to write off Jacoby Brissett, pursuing Brady would make a lot of sense.

Las Vegas Raiders

Once again, there are rumblings around the league that head coach Jon Gruden isn’t exactly enamored with Derek Carr. Couple that with Gruden’s past history of working well (and preferring) veteran quarterbacks, and you have the makings of a potential match.

The Raiders need to improve on defense to be considered a legitimate threat in the AFC, but they do have some attractive pieces on offense (Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, offensive line).

Let’s not forget, the Raiders will be moving into a fancy new stadium in Las Vegas next fall. There would be no better way for them to spark interest and sell tickets than acquiring arguably the greatest player in NFL history.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have been linked to Brady ever since the rumors of him leaving New England popped up earlier this fall.

Like the Raiders, the Chargers are moving into a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium in 2020. Additionally, the Los Angeles market has to be appealing to both Brady and his family, as it would open the door to a multitude of post-playing career options, and allow Brady to be much closer to home.

From a football standpoint, the Chargers have a lot to offer, as well. Their defense is one of the better groups in the league, they have plenty of talent at wide receiver (Keenan Allen and Mike Williams), tight end (Hunter Henry), and running back (Austin Ekeler and possibly Melvin Gordon), and their offensive line was a top-10 pass blocking unit in 2019 according to Football Outsiders.

The Chargers have all but officially decided to move on from Philip Rivers, and signing Brady would be massively beneficial in putting butts in seats when their new stadium opens next fall.

Longshots

• Denver Broncos: With the emergence of Drew Lock, this scenario doesn’t make much sense. Still, John Elway has a history with older quarterbacks, and if he truly believes the Broncos are a contender, he may kick the tires on Brady.
• Dallas Cowboys: This would be a move right in Jerry Jones’ wheelhouse. It would require cutting ties with Dak Prescott, however, so I don’t see it happening.
• Tennessee Titans: Brady and Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel go way back. Would their relationship be enough to sway the Titans to move on from Ryan Tannehill? Probably not.
• Cleveland Browns: This scenario would require the team to part ways with former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, who has shown flashes of franchise quarterback ability. Highly unlikely.

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