It’s St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. What usually is a celebration in the city of Boston turned into a somber day. Fans of the rest of the 31 teams rejoiced, while Patriots fans woke up to this news: their dear leader and quarterback, Thomas Brady was entering free agency for the first time in his illustrious 20 year career, played all with the Patriots.
He can sign for any team but only certain teams want him. It seems like the Chargers, Buccaneers, and Patriots all are in the hunt. I have a list put together of what offers some GMs could make for Brady, included with why they works and why they don’t.
New England Patriots
You have served us well for 20 great years. You have six super bowls, but still unfinished business. As someone who is used to winning, you want to end on top as so many other winning players have. You thought you were going to do that last year, but it ended in pain as what may end up being your last pass as a Patriot was an interception.
Why it works: Brady and the Patriots going hand in hand has been the norm over the past 20 years. Brady knows he works well with the Patriots offense and with the coaching staff and front office. An even further benefit is that this time he controls his contract as a free agent.
Why it doesn’t work: Brady wants to go somewhere else. He wants to explore the world. Most of all, he wants to expand his brand. As we saw with Mookie, Boston is not seen as a place where you can be a world star.
Tennessee Titans
Here in Tennessee, you would be coached by your former teammate Mike Vrabel. We’re basically like a mini version of the Patriots organization, but there’s one thing the Patriots have, but we don’t and that is Super Bowls.
Why it works: Brady would be surrounded by people who love to use the system that he’s used to in New England. But instead of playing for a team on the decline like the Patriots, he plays for a team on the the rise, the Titans. After the loss in the Wild Card Round last year, he probably could sense how good this organization is.
Why it doesn’t: The Titans already have two quarter backs in Tannehill and Mariota. To make room for Brady, they would probably have to offload both of them and they are both really good.
Las Vegas Raiders
After moving from Oakland, we would love to have you be the first quarterback in a new city. Las Vegas is known as a big city good for big business. We could definitely use a quarterback of your talent and experience.
Why it does: If he moves to Las Vegas, he will have a team he can call his own as well as a team that is capable of making the playoffs year in and year out. He will be surrounded by talented players and coaches and be able to play in a new stadium.
Why it doesn’t: Las Vegas doesn’t need a franchise quarterback who will retire after a year or two. If they decide to get a quarterback, they should go for someone with a future.
Los Angeles Chargers
In LA, you would be surrounded by great players who, when at their best can make this team great. If you can replicate some of the seasons we had with Philip Rivers, we might o on a run. You will also be in your home state of California playing in its biggest city. You already started a movie company here and this would also be a great place to grow your brand TB12.
Why it does: In LA, Brady would iron out all of the problems that Philip Rivers had as a quarterback, especially last year. A lot of the losses last year were close games, something Brady is great at winning. Los Angeles seems like a great place to go for a big star and of the two LA teams, the Chargers makes the most sense.
Why it doesn’t: The Chargers have a pretty high pick in the draft after a sluggish season. Maybe they’ll try to go for one of the many quarterbacks in the draft, someone who has a future, instead of Brady.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Every since joining the NFL, there is one thing we’ve struggled with, finding the right quarterback to put us in the right position. You could play in the Florida sunshine and make us winners once and for all.
Why it works: Jameis Winston is not a quarterback who lead us where we want to go. He throws a lot of interceptions and he needs a role model to help him out. Even though Brady might not win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, they do need a leader desperately.
Why it doesn’t: The Bucs have played fine with Jameis. Throwing consistency is just something he can get over and something he can develop over time. I can’t see Brady in Tampa leading to playoff success.
Los Angeles Rams
We are not in need of a quarterback, but we do need a leader. As a California kid who wants to be in the spotlight, Los Angeles is the perfect place to play, especially with a new stadium. We’ve already proven we can be Super Bowl bound. Now go win us one.
Why it does: Brady has never really been able to get a taste of the NFC or the west coast. He’s said that he wants to experience other things and LA is the perfect place to spread his brand and become a celebrity.
Why it doesn’t: The Rams really don’t need an extra quarterback. Jared Goff is good enough already and has proven he can lead the Rams to a Super Bowl. Brady can just retire in LA without playing for a Los Angeles team as well.
San Francisco 49ers
Growing up a football fan in North California, your lifelong dream has always been to play for the 49ers. You idolized Joe Montana as a kid. Wouldn’t it be nice to end your career at home? You’d even play alongside your old trainee, Jimmy Garoppolo, and a group of talented stars.
Why it works: Brady could take the helm for one final season in his home state. He would be on a team capable of winning the Super Bowl and if he won, he would have won seven super Bowls, more than any player or team.
Why it doesn’t: Jimmy Garoppolo. Enough said.
Sources:
- USA Today
The Goal Post 