After a blowout loss to Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in the Wildcard Round, Tom Brady has been thrust from the comfort of the gridiron to the land of tough decisions. As soon as it became clear that the quarterback was going to lose, fans, pundits, and analysts began speculating about his future.
Many believe that not even "TB12" knows what he wants to do next. However, if he returns in 2023, many expect that he'll be wearing another jersey after a disappointing 8-9 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There are a number of teams that could fit Tom Brady nicely if he decides to return. Here's a look at some of those teams:
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#1 Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are moving on from their quarterback of nine years in Derek Carr. Head coach Josh McDaniels has strong ties with Tom Brady going back to their time with the New England Patriots. As such, McDaniels may be interested in getting Brady.
Where will Tom Brady be in 2023?
Ideally, from a team standpoint, "TB12" could serve as the best bridge quarterback in NFL history. If the team drafts a quality rookie to learn from him and if Brady agrees, it could be a slam dunk. Of course, that might be asking too much of the most accomplished signal-caller in NFL history.
Either way, the likely synergy could challenge Patrick Mahomes for the division better than any other AFC West team has been able to since his rise. Additionally, with Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs in the squad, Brady could see another 30+ touchdown season behind an upgraded running attack.
#2 San Francisco 49ers
Speaking of rushing attacks, the San Francisco 49ers are another team that lives off of making life tough for defenses in the trenches. Of course, with Brock Purdy delivering a playoff win in his rookie season, the team may want to ride the wave into next year.
However, if they want a steadier, more experienced hand at the position, Brady could take over for Jimmy Garoppolo. It would be an interesting twist of fate after the New England Patriots traded the one-time heir.
Kyle Shanahan and Tom Brady's intensity could be like introducing Mentos to Coca-Cola and will be one that will put the rest of the league on red alert.
#3 Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa's health has become a real concern for the Miami Dolphins and the entire NFL fanbase.
If the team decides to save the quarterback from himself and move on this season, Tom Brady could be near the top of their list. The Dolphins have been connected to Brady in the past, allegedly opening themselves up to adding him as a minority owner.
As such, the lines of communication are open for "TB12" to reach out to Miami and get a positive response. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill on the team, the offense could pop for Brady behind former Kyle Shanahan apprentice Mike McDaniel.
#4 New York Jets
The New York Jets had the fourth-ranked defense in the NFL with 311.1 yards allowed per game this season.
Despite hosting one of the most unstable quarterback situations in the NFL, the team had a seed in the playoffs until December. With Tom Brady under center, the Jets could have just enough to get over the hump.
At the very least, it would be an upgrade over the ninth-ranked defense the Buccaneers put on this season. It would also offer two games against his former coach Bill Belichick and a season-long race to add another wrinkle to the age-old question of who was more important to the Patriots' dynasty.
#5 Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans under head coach Mike Vrabel delivered Tom Brady the final loss of his career with the New England Patriots.
Vrabel, a one-time teammate, could offer some chemistry for Brady should the latter join the Titans. While Vrabel's coaching style isn't often associated with "The Patriot Way," he has no choice but to borrow from the coaching style of his playing days.
As such, it may offer some semblance of comfort for Brady. Additionally, with one of the best running backs in football behind him, "TB12" wouldn't need to carry the offense on his arm like he did this season in Tampa Bay.
The AFC South is also a division up for grabs, with only the nine-win Jacksonville Jaguars taking the division crown this season.
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