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Tom Brady’s 3 most realistic options in 2023 if he leaves the Bucs

Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson

NFL Spin Zone

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 03: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to the crowd as he runs off the field after defeating the New England Patriots in the game at Gillette Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

Tom the GOAT Brady isn’t hanging up his cleats just yet, but there aren’t a lot of team vying for Brady’s services.

Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback and GOAT of the NFL, has just finished one of his most turbulent seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With his contract coming to an end, many fans are wondering if he will be back with the Bucs next season or if he’ll be playing for a new team.

Tom Brady
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drops back to pass during the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Tom Brady may have a new team in the 2023 NFL season

After a disappointing playoff loss, Brady remained coy about his future plans, telling reporters “I’m going to go home and get a good night’s sleep as good as I can tonight.” However, it’s important to note that he didn’t say anything about retirement, which means that the 45-year-old may still have some gas left in the tank.

This season, the Buccaneers had an 8-9 record, and many of their stars, including Brady, didn’t perform up to par. Whether it was Father Time catching up or his off-field life affecting his game, Brady didn’t look like his usual, unflappable self. But despite this, he still broke the record for most completions and attempts this season.

If Brady decides to leave the Buccaneers, there aren’t a lot of teams who want a 45-year-old quarterback. Brady isn’t capable of uplifting talent, he needs the perfect situation if he hopes to lead a team to the Super Bowl. Regardless, Brady is one of the better quarterbacks in the league.

Some people said the Miami Dolphins. Can you imagine Brady with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as wideouts? Keep imagining. The Fins recently recommitted to Tua, who was playing at an MVP level. He does have the concussion problem, but unlike Brady, he’s not a statue in the pocket.

A sleeper team is the Atlanta Falcons. First, it’s in a dome, in a familiar division with no real competition. On offense, Drake London and Kyle Pitts are big and dynamic. Meanwhile, Tyler Allgeier was a pleasant surprise as a rookie. Still, it’s hard to imagine Brady going to Atlanta.

Tom Brady
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 02: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on January 02, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Buccaneers defeated the Jets 28-24. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Tom Brady an option for the New York Jets

Location, location, location, Brady has a five-bedroom Tribeca apartment in Manhattan. And a move to the Jets would also bring him closer to his oldest child, 15-year-old Jack. Brady has previously expressed his excitement to be able to help his son thrive in football — this gives him that chance. The Jets doesn’t only make sense for his personal life. The franchise has been starving for a consistent quarterback for years. Even at 45, Brady could be the missing piece.

One thing Brady needs is a strong offensive line — the Jets have it. PFF pass-blocking efficiency and fifth in PFF pass-blocking grade. With the addition of a quarterback like Brady, who has a quick 2.33-second average time to throw, the Jets would be able to take advantage of their strong offensive line and give Brady the protection he needs to succeed.

On offense, Brady would have an excellent running game with a returning Breece Hall, who looked like a star before his injury. Michael Carter is a tough runner who can carry the load in his absence. At wideout, Garret Wilson is a superstar in the making. He showed he can ball, no matter who the QB is — he will make Brady look good. Elijah Moore is an electric weapon at wide receiver who’d benefit from Brady’s accuracy and short passing philosophy.

During Brady’s s first Super Bowl run with the Jets, an overlooked benefit was their defense. The Jets have a defensive force to be reckoned with, boasting a talented and young core of players such as Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. In case you don’t know, the defense ranked among the top in the league in most defensive categories in 2022, including sacks. The Jets have the potential to become some of the best defenses in the league again.

Tom Brady
Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans Saints

After spending the last two seasons with the Buccaneers could Brady play for the enemy? The Saints make sense for Brady because of Sean Payton. Yes, Payton. The two were rumored to Miami t one point, costing the Fina a first-round pick. Why go to Miami when they stay in NO?

The Saints have the weapons. Michael Thomas wants out, but if Brady opts in, along with his former head coach, he’ll change his mind. Even if he doesn’t, they have Chris Olave — he is a stud who proved he can ball no matter who the quarterback is. Imagine the magic Brady and Olave could create. Jarvis Landry is a free agent, but he could return. He’s the ideal slot wideout Brady is used to having.

The offensive line is shaky, which could be a problem. However, Brady gets rid of the ball quickly. And let’s not forget about running back Alvin Kamara, who has been one of the most productive backs in the league over the past few seasons. Kamara is a dual-threat back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and provide a safety valve for Brady, something he didn’t have in Tampa.

Brady’s veteran leadership and experience and knowledge could mentor a young quarterback. The Saints could opt to draft a guy or sign someone like Gardner Minshew. The Saints have a stellar defense that makes them a team that is built to win now. Brady gives them a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.

Josh McDaniels, Tom Brady
Tom Brady 2023: Head Coach Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on November 27, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders the ideal landing spot for Tom Brady?

Who will play QB for The Las Vegas Raiders? Derek Carr is out and while some may have concerns about Tom Brady’s age, and fit within the division, there are several reasons why a move to the Raiders makes sense for the future Hall of Famer.

One of the main reasons why a move to the Raiders makes sense for Brady is the presence of head coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels has a history of working with Brady in New England, where they won three Super Bowls together. Having a coach that Brady is familiar with and has a history of success with can only benefit the quarterback as he continues his career.

It doesn’t hurt that the Raiders have the best wide receiver in the league in Davante Adams. Brady loves to use tight ends, and Darren Waller is one of the best in the league. And Hunter Renfrow, well, he is just like every slot receiver Brady has ever played with, but faster.

Josh Jacobs will be the best running back he’s played with since Corey Dillon. McDaniels will be forced to lean on Jacobs even more with Brady under center which will likely result in more years.

The Raiders have a good amount of draft capital and salary cap space, which means they can build the team around Brady. They can add more weapons to the offense and make sure that the defense is strong enough to compete against the likes of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.

At 45, Tom Brady is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He’s a leader and a winner, and he would bring a winning culture to a team that is looking to get back to the playoffs.

Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson

Michael M. Johnson is a proud contributor to the greatness that is Fan Sided’s Bam Smack Pow and NFL Spin Zone, where he covers everything from the NFL draft to the latest comic book movie buzz. With over a decade of experience—though he jokes it feels like a lifetime—Michael has found his true calling at Fan Sided. Armed with an associate degree in marketing and business, he’s dabbled in various fields but has always returned to his passion for writing. His work has gone viral more than once, which, according to him, felt pretty amazing. A true media junkie, Michael has watched more TV shows than he cares to admit, including favorites like Breaking Bad, Smallville, and Game of Thrones. When he’s not deep in the world of sports or superheroes, Michael enjoys spending time with his kids, reading, and, of course, watching even more TV. Oh yeah, and he writes too. Look out for his upcoming debut novel "Dance In Time: A Gods of Time Novel"