“We just need you for the next four months” - NFL insider claims a Tom Brady return would be an easier sell this fall

Tom Brady is dangerously close to beating his personal retirement record set last offseason. However, many are braced for history to repeat itself once again, even if the timing is different. Speaking on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," NFL insider Albert Breer explained why and how a September or October return could be in the cards.

"(The Buccaneers) definitely left the light on for Brady, and they have over the last couple of years, and I think you could argue, like, it's different to ask him to play in March or February than it is to ask him to play in September," Breer said.

Will Tom Brady play in 2023?

He said that a dark September could lead to a sunny October:

"If things aren't good in September, could they go to him and say, 'Look, we just need you for the next four months.' Maybe the equation changes?"

Theoretical task towers higher and lower than Tom Brady's previous workloads

Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In other words, smaller commitments are easier to make than bigger ones. In September, the team wouldn't be asking for a year-long commitment. Rather, the ask is just roughly 10-15 weeks. Of course, it would also depend on the system a team runs as it would take the quarterback likely at least half that time to learn the offense.

By then, however, No. 12 will have survived the urges brought on by free agency and training camp. With those two grindy portions of the calendar out of the way, making a commitment to simply play a chunk of games may carry a different feel. That said, the quarterback would likely be coming into a team with a 1-3 record or worse.

Starting behind in knowledge and record would give the quarterback arguably the biggest challenge of his career. Would that entice him enough to burn a chunk of his time between then and starting his Fox gig in 2024?

If any of the above quotes are used, please credit "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" and H/T Sportskeeda.