Tom Brady free agency rumors: Are Buccaneers or Chargers the best fit?

Brady’s fit in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is not a big market by any stretch of the imagination, especially when stacked up against Los Angeles. While that may be true, there are still obvious marketing opportunities for Tom Brady and all of his interests if he were to head to the Buccaneers. After all, TB playing in TB is the type of merchandising that would be an easy sell.

One of the major concerns that has been floated about Brady with the Buccaneers, however, has been the quarterback fitting in the Tampa Bay offense under head coach Bruce Arians. Traditionally, Arians has preferred to air it out and push the ball down the field. At this stage of his career, Brady isn’t primed to do that.

That concern seems unfounded to me. While that may be what Arians would ideally want to do, he’s going to cater his offense to the greatest NFL quarterback of all time. And he’s going to do so with an elite host of weapons and a solid core.

While Ronald Jones still needs to prove himself as a consistent running back, the offensive line has proven to be an above-average unit in the league, which gives the Bucs an advantage over the Chargers. Additionally, wide receiver Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are the best pass-catching duo in the NFL, bar none, and tight end O.J. Howard is still a physical force that Brady would surely love to work with.

Yes, Tampa Bay compared to Los Angeles is no contest in terms of market. But in terms of the proven coach and the pieces on the offense, the Buccaneers have the advantage. And if Brady is interested in winning another Super Bowl, his chances may be better in the NFC with the Bucs than in the AFC with the Bolts.

Grading the Fit: A-