Former teammate Julian Edelman believes Tom Brady is done with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because the “smart” quarterback “will go into the best situation that will help him win” — IF he plays another season in the NFL
Three-time Super Bowl winner Julian Edelman has said he believes Tom Brady’s time in Tampa Bay is over.
Brady and the Buccaneers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys Monday night in a game in which the veteran quarterback struggled, throwing just 5.3 yards per attempt.
The 45-year-old is set to become a free agent in the upcoming offseason and his former teammate Edelman believes he could be on the lookout for a winning team.
Former teammate Julian Edelman (R) said he believes Tom Brady (L) is done playing for Tampa
“If he has another season, it won’t be in Tampa Bay,” Edelman said. ‘And only because Tom is a businessman. Tom is a smart guy.
“He’ll do exactly what he did when he left New England. He will go into the best situation that will help him win – IF he wants to continue his playing career. I do not know.’
Edelman also predicted that Brady would use the next few weeks to evaluate not just whether he wants to return to the NFL, but potentially where to go.
“He’s probably going to sit and hang out with his family for the next two weeks and assess the situation,” Edelman said.
Brady and Edelman (L) spent a decade playing together with the New England Patriots
“I’m sure he has a routine now because he’s probably been thinking about it for the last three or four years, you know, ‘Am I going to play, am I not going to play? You know, I’ll call him and bug him a few times and see if he’ll give me something. He probably won’t, but I’ll let you guys know in a few weeks.’
Brady and Edelman played together with the England Patriots from 2009 to 2019, where Edelman became one of the quarterbacks’ favorite targets.
During those years, the duo not only won three Super Bowls, but also saw Edelman win a Super Bowl MVP award.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been heavily linked with a move to acquire Brady should he opt for a 24th season.
Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr is believed to have returned to Vegas on the way out is.
Brady’s slate is said to include the Las Vegas Raiders, according to a report
Raiders, who starts QB Derek Carr, is believed to be on the way out after a 6-11 season
Brady, a soon-to-be free agent, appears as a quick fix under center after his own disappointing season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, a move to Las Vegas would reunite Brady with his former New England Patriots offensive coordinator, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels.
“I’ve been told the #Raiders are still evaluating their quarterback options.” Josina Anderson tweeted. “They haven’t made a decision about the exact path at this point. The expectation is that in due course they will explore the Tom Brady option as “one” of those avenues per league source.
Earlier this month, sources told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that the Raiders are expected to explore trading opportunities for Carr, who is ranked 24th in the passer rating (86.3) and has completed just 60.8 percent of his passes this season.