Report: Some Bucs Players Believe “This Is It” For Tom Brady
January 25th, 2022
“Tom, I hear Cam Brate’s fiance is a good real estate agent in Tampa. Got her cell?”
Bucs fans are not going to get a sound sleep until they know: Will Tom Brady return to the Bucs in 2022 or retire?
Heavy metal-headbanging Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports thinks he knows which way Brady is leaning.
La Canfora has a Bucs source that knows the pulse of the Bucs’ locker room. And the vibe this source is getting is that some players believe Brady is done.
One Bucs source said: “Nothing’s been said, but there is a sense among some guys in the locker room that this is it, one way or the other. It’s just little things here or there they are picking up on. Maybe it turns out to be nothing.”
La Canfora noted that earlier in the season, Brady was openly talking about playing until he is 50. That chatter died down the past couple of months.
So what changed? Joe has no clue unless perhaps Brady got an edict from his model wife Gisele Bundchen that either he had to choose her or football but not both. Joe does remember Brady telling Howard Stern just after he signed with the Bucs that his wife threatened divorce unless he stayed home, away from voluntary OTAs.
And surely Brady knew before the season what position the Bucs would be in salary cap wise and with so many starters becoming free agents, and yet he openly discussed playing for years more. So Joe doesn’t buy Brady’s worried about the 2022 makeup of the team pushing him out of the game.
So either something happened away from the football field to rattle Brady or he’s trying to squeeze some concessions out of Team Glazer.
We all know Brady has leverage with Team Glazer (what is the over/under on how many texts Team Glazer has sent Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht in the past 48 hours about Brady, 75?). Might Brady be trying to buy a piece of Manchester United and have the soccer team peddle TB12 products overseas?
January 25th, 2022 at 5:19 am
Maybe this whole Fiasco with AB put a bitter taste in his mouth.
January 25th, 2022 at 5:21 am
If he announces at the start of the season, he gets to have a retirement tour
January 25th, 2022 at 5:31 am
brown was the clown that brought him down
January 25th, 2022 at 5:34 am
I don’t understand all this “wife and kids” vs “work”. A husband at home is an unhappy husband, which soon leads to divorce. In brady’s case it’s even worse because of his competitive nature. In fact, if he doesn’t start to say no to many invites he will receive after retiring, it will be the same thing, he will be away from home anyway, so it would be better if he didn’t retire at all.
January 25th, 2022 at 5:36 am
his wife has wanted him out of football for a decade, he keeps playing because he wears the pants in the family
January 25th, 2022 at 5:48 am
Maybe he just wants out of Tampa. Might sound crazy but he could be trying to get to a certain team on the west coast that he grew up rooting for.
January 25th, 2022 at 5:52 am
His source is probably AB
January 25th, 2022 at 5:58 am
‘Joe does remember Brady telling Howard Stern just after he signed with the Bucs that his wife threatened divorce unless he stayed home, away from voluntary OTAs.’
Wasn’t it Brady who said that 90% of what he tells the press is BS? Of course the media chooses to swallow it all as gospel when it suits their purpose. Like right now?
January 25th, 2022 at 6:01 am
Tom will use his leverage to get a WR3 he approves, to keep Jensen, etc., etc….
January 25th, 2022 at 6:20 am
Brady is coming back for at least 1 more year if we get some pieces around him. This team is still on the cusp of winning it all. I don’t see him retiring without having a season in which everyone knows he’s hanging it up after the season, ala Kobe and MJ. If we get the right pieces and win the Super Bowl, you can bet your life he’ll walk off into the sunset. He couldn’t do that his first season with the Bucs because football was fun again.
I think AB disrupted the locker room more than we know. This is what Lavonte eluded to and what is probably eating at Tom. That ungrateful pri**. He stabbed people in the back that helped him get back on his feet. I hope he is black balled in the league. There is no way a team would be stupid enough to watch that drama wreck their team. AB will NEVER be happy, he’s a blood sucking leech.
January 25th, 2022 at 6:23 am
A lot of speculation about something only Tom knows. Buc fans want him to stay. The haters want him to go. You can tell who they are by their comments.
January 25th, 2022 at 6:39 am
I hope Brady is smart enough to know how much he means to Bucs fans, and classy enough to not leave us in the dark for weeks, like other high profile QBs have done to their fans.
January 25th, 2022 at 6:42 am
media is just working this story hard
January 25th, 2022 at 6:59 am
Sounds like he’s retiring. Family time, Bucs roster will have lots of turnover and doesn’t want a farewell tour.
Wouldn’t mind arians and licht riding off too.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:03 am
It’s been a fun ride…. Hope you come back Tom. WE NEED YOU!!!
January 25th, 2022 at 7:04 am
Brady said he wanted to play till 45, if he does play this would be his last hurrah for sure. Would love to watch this team one more year and enjoy watching the Goat give it one last shot, can you imagine the ticket sales if he came out saying this is my last year for sure ??? Watching the best NFL QB in History ride off in the sunset SB or Bust with knowing it’s his last dance, that would be the pressure only TB12 would enjoy and thrive in. If this does happen he’d probably promise his wife it’s his last one so she would leave him alone for one more year lol.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:21 am
I’m just still sour that Bowles just didn’t drop 8 into prevent with 30 seconds left… won’t get over that. That was like the Ricky Proehl catch all over again.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:23 am
We all saw the Bucs slide into INJURY ABYSS and end up losing, that to me makes things cloudy.
Brady will let things clear in his head.
We should know just before Free Agency on March 16 just what is going on with Brady.
GO BUCS!!!!
January 25th, 2022 at 7:24 am
He’ll give it a shot–he says only if he can play at a championship level. I think that’s code for making sure the Glazers are all in, and will push some money down the road so they can sign everybody like Godwin, Davis, et. al.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:24 am
Drefromthebay
I said that very same thing a week ago on this site and was dragged and called a moron….
Check the article at Pro Football Talk.. written two days ago.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:27 am
So do I, The Band has played it’s last waltz
January 25th, 2022 at 7:30 am
Asinine Speculation On Tom Brady Retirement
January 24th, 2022
This is a title of a JBF article from yesterday…..
January 25th, 2022 at 7:39 am
Either way the Bucs accomplished the goal win a super bowl. No matter what haters here say it’s hard to keep good players and rosters together. If some had gotten what they wanted we have no super bowl and would be losing key players.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:43 am
The man asked for some time with family, for reflection and mental/physical evaluations to his ability to go another season at his elite level of expectations on himself. Until he gets the time needed all of the speculation is a waste of time because not even Tom knows at this point, hence wanting some time. What is so dificult for the media to understand about that? Yeah, I get it. Stories have to be generated even when there is nothing going on.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:45 am
You can’t be mad if he walks off into the sunset. I hope, once the dust settles, Brady has a chance to connect with family and come to the realization that he is the best player in the NFL, and he wants to go another round or two.
I will be forever grateful to watch the Goat. He’s the best pure leader, most successful athlete ever. Jordan, Gretzky, Ruth, and even Russell all take a #2 spot behind Brady.
He has zero to prove, and I hope we can have him back for one more run and shot at the title.
Also, if Brady wants to play somewhere else for a year- you let him go. We should be forever indebted to have him lead us for two
Years and I hope if he keeps playing we are able to build a legit squad for
Him.
Brady is the exception to every rule and we should absolutely treat him with the earned respect.
Hopeful we can get
Him back for another run and that his family continues to cheer him on. If he were my dad/bro/son/friend, I’d do anything possible to take a step back and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and success. I’d do anything to let him know that his NFL career is a beautiful thing and I’d want to be in his corner to get the absolute most out of it to his heart’s content. How can we give up on watching the best in the world? Other dudes are more athletic, but no one has the command of the huddle, football IQ, and Brady has an amazing arm. He’s the 8th wonder of the world and I hope we can help him earn his 8th ring before he goes.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:49 am
Perfectly said SteveK
January 25th, 2022 at 7:50 am
For being such a champion, he has stayed true to the course of leadership, hard work and focus. Hopefully we can build up the reinforcements and come back for another dance.
It’s not fair to ask Brady to not retire and spend time w family, but I will be damned if he’s not still in his prime. He’s so good and it’s the best to sit back and watch the master while he still has all the skills to meet up with the 22 years of smarts and experience.
LFG TB12 in 2022!
January 25th, 2022 at 7:51 am
Keep kicking Father Time’s ass, Tom, Let’s go!!!
January 25th, 2022 at 7:53 am
Brady wants Arians gone, it’s that simple.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:53 am
relax lol…just buying time with Giselle…let it blow over and Gronk’s back and this is still the most talented team in football for 2022. I dare say when all is said in done and the rams pull it off, we’ll be talking about how close a repeat was.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:54 am
Sign the best guard available in free agency Brandon Scherff of WTF, resign Jensen, as signal that you are going to ensure TB12 is well protected. Glazers can offer ownership stake in Bucs and Manchester as motivation financially for 3 more years. Players that are at the top of their game do not retire , and Brady is at the top of his game.
January 25th, 2022 at 7:56 am
look he needs to go home, unwind, drop some loads, spend time with the wife…extended time with the wife and fam…
then she’ll realize it’s a celebrity marriage of convenience – and as she gets sick of seeing him every time she turns a corner, he will say “honey how do you feel about me playing another season or two?”…
and at this point she’ll be craving a little space – as he will too…
and she’ll say “do it tommy get another ring ya bastid”…
and he’ll say “i will baby – i’m gonna win one last dooky ring for the gipper baby”
January 25th, 2022 at 7:59 am
Maybe hes waiting to see if Lefty leaves and he will name his hand picked offensive coordinator, maybe Josh McDaniel OC and assistant head coach to replace Arians in 2023. The other guy Arians has as assistant head coach will remain running backs coach. The reason he looks down and depressed Belichick does want him to leave.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:06 am
Licht knows offensive linemen. In the biggest test of the year, the line minus Wirfs failed to do the one job they are paid to do, protect Brady. The Bucs have to have some more depth and youth on that line. Ali Marpet and Wirfs have the right stuff. Smith wasn’t up to his test and was a weak point. When one offensive lineman goes down they have to have some second stringers that can do the job.
Rams lost their All Pro left tackle and whoever filled in didn’t fail his test.
Youth and depth on the offensive and defensive lines is most important job for Licht for 2022. WRs, RBs are always interchangeable but it all starts in the trenches and the physical teams like the Saints and Rams have figured out how to exploit Tampa Bay’s lines.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:15 am
It’s the wife.
Every (happily) married man knows it’s the wife that drives these types of decisions.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:17 am
You don’t understand it because you don’t have a wife and children. If you do have a wife and children then you’re likely not in your mid 40s. The view on life is very different when you’re successful, have a family, and you’re in your 40s. He has TB12 Sports. The next phase of his career will be expanding his brand like Michael Jordan did. You really think he’s going to do nothing?
I said it yesterday and I’ll repeat it here, I don’t think he’s coming back. There are too many key veterans on both sides of the ball that will not be returning. Jason Licht is a very good GM but does he have two Super Bowls in him? I don’t know. The following key veterans are all unrestricted free agents:
Godwin
JPP
Jensen
Suh
Gronk
Gholston
Fournette
OJ Howard
RoJo
Gio Bernard
Carlton Davis
Alex Cappa
Jordan Whitehead
So that’s WR, TE (3), DE (2), C, RB (3), OL, CB, S. Wide Receiver is a real issue. If they’re not going to pay Godwin then who’s out there that can bring similar production for a lower price? Certainly not Davante Adams or Mike Williams. Bucs won’t win anything without paying heavily for DE help thought I suspect there’s value to be had if they could sign Rasheem Green away from Seattle.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:18 am
Brady wants more control of the offense. He also wants the first three draft picks – WR, RB, TE.
Maybe he has grown tired of BL’s play calling/game plans…
January 25th, 2022 at 8:19 am
noteboom played like practically a freakin’ starter for the rams…
i’m not sure what exactly happened to d smith but he looked like a complete idiot out there – tom must be super disappointed in him for that – he reverted back to how he played with jameis
January 25th, 2022 at 8:28 am
TB loves “ locked in and Laser focused”. Not sure he got that from everyone. Year one was OMG that’s Tom Brady.. Yes sir Mr Brady, of course Mr. Brady.
I’m sure he felt taken advantage of in year two. Familiarity breeds contempt, is the saying…
I hope he comes back.. there’s nothing like watching him run an offense.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:32 am
Nobody knows at this point. Brady is going to need to re evaluate the situation after he gets over the loss. I think he will look at the strength of the new roster , family needs, and the Buc’s chances to get back to the SB. If he thinks that he can’t have a chance to get to the SB, he retires.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:48 am
I think the coaches and some teammates discouraged him. I have watched this guy for years and if you remember the intensity he had during the playoffs and SB. I didn’t see that in his face Sunday. I think the lack of urgency and preparation by coaches and players got to him. Even when they tied it up he just walked off the.field with little emotion. I also heard he wanted to go for two to get ahead and put the pressure on Stafford and BA overruled it. Shanahan is more discipline and has a very creative offensive mind, if they want him, he’s going to San Fran. Bucs get BA, congrats August can’t be happier.
January 25th, 2022 at 8:56 am
If he leaves it’s all on ownership and coaching, Jenna lane egging on AB and the vax card was just the tip of the iceberg
January 25th, 2022 at 8:59 am
I hope Brady comes back for another year. The real problem is if Tom decides to retire does BA walk right after that and we are left with no coach right before free agency starts. I wouldn’t think BA would do that but it’s. Bucs life and no coach at BA is starting over with a rebuild and that’s what it will be if Brady walks along with Gronk and rest of the free agents we have.
January 25th, 2022 at 9:03 am
A lpt pf speculation.
I suspect he’ll rest a couple of weeks, catch up on life, then decide.
I’d say it’s 50/50.
He HAS said frequently he wanted to play until 45. So there is that.
My gut says one more dance for the GOAT. I personally would like to savor every head fake and arm pump knowing they will be the last.
Bic fans are blessed to have Tom Brady for two years.
January 25th, 2022 at 9:41 am
Can Trask beat out Blaine ?
Man what an awful question….
No Gronk no Godwin,
Evans and Scotty Miller the starters
Brate tight end number 1 ?
January 25th, 2022 at 9:52 am
What stuck me about Brady’s interview yesterday is when he brought up Kobe. You think you have all the time in the world, than you don’t. As much as I want Brady back, I’d hate to see him limp away from the game. He’s been lucky most of his career, only missed one season with a knee. You can only dodge so many cars before you get hit by a truck. Exit the highway Tom, there’s a rest stop just ahead.
January 25th, 2022 at 9:58 am
I dont know the twitter exchange bewtween Gronk an TB12Sports might say different lol
January 25th, 2022 at 10:10 am
I think Tom is a helluva man for putting up with that battle-axe for so many years. He could’ve done so much better.
Having had my share of experience with women of that demeanor, I can say he is GONE! It’s either that or literally get a divorce, and he’s not doing that just to play one more year.
January 25th, 2022 at 10:12 am
Brady already knows if he’s going to retire or not. Let’s just hope if he is, that he has told the Bucs and Licht so they can be sure of their options with the QB situation.
People say Bucs source a lot. I hope that doesn’t mean Jenna Lane.
January 25th, 2022 at 10:35 am
If Brady leaves, get use to losing. Maybe an 8-8, 9-7 type year. I have zero confidence in Gabbert or trask. We;d better go after a Watson real hard. Heck, all the guy needs is a few decent strip clubs. god knows tampa is full of them
January 25th, 2022 at 10:51 am
AB & getting sacked sux!
January 25th, 2022 at 10:52 am
Houston will want a kings random for a guy who could have legal troubles for quite a while.
He must have a great lawyer.. you hear 0 about his case.
January 25th, 2022 at 11:07 am
Even though TB had another phenomenal year stat wise, he seemed like he was playing with less fire in severs games.
He had quite a few games where he was not throwing the ball well and his demeanor was subdued.
Maybe he knows he’s starting the big decline?
Maybe it’s Jizzell and family?
Maybe it’s both?
My gut tells me he’s done, but I’m not all doom and gloom about it.
Will we go 13-4 the first year without him?
No, I don’t think so.
But it is what it is if it comes to that.
Hopefully we know the answer soon
January 25th, 2022 at 11:10 am
It’s OK if Tom walks away!!! We can just do what ever it takes to get DeShawn Watson. Watson is out there so let’s get him and keep the train moving.
January 25th, 2022 at 11:56 am
Brady is not leaving. End of story
January 25th, 2022 at 12:08 pm
IMHO, this chapter is over
January 25th, 2022 at 12:27 pm
What effect would a retirement have on our Cap space? On overthecap Brady has 32 Million dead money for 2022 and 24 Million for 2023. Will these Numbers change due to a retirement or will the Cap been Hit by these amounts either way?
January 25th, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Brady has made it clear that this time around he will let his family have more of a say in his decision. Maybe it will come down to a family vote. Maybe Brady spends individual time with each of his immediate family members to understand their mindset. Whereas previously, I think Tom was the one deciding. Makes perfect sense to me. Regardless of what he chooses he will always be biggest blessing this franchise ever had.
January 25th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
How long have Tom and Gisele been together? Surely she knows her guy as well or better than anyone else on the planet.
All Tom has said all season when asked is that he will play as long as he can play and win at a high level. I have no “insider” info and I am not telepathic. The impression I have from where I sit is that Tom is still the “young kid” who loves the game of football.
January 25th, 2022 at 2:54 pm
DoooshLaRue, agreed on all points. I felt the same way throughout the season. i stated it yesterday and I stated it this morning that I do not think he will come back. The Bucs would have to bring most everyone back, let go of Brate and Howard, bring Fournette back and upgrade at backup RB, replace Suh, replace JPP, sign Godwin, and probably trade away some draft capital to bring some quality players which will destroy the team for years to come.
The Bucs already sold their soul for a Super Bowl back in 2002. They can’t do that again.
January 25th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Brady isn’t riding off into the sunset, he’s staring into it, searching for a team with all the pieces sans a QB, like he did two years ago, in quest of another ring: The first QB to lead three different teams to the crown.
January 25th, 2022 at 4:51 pm
I hope Tom comes back. I am glad Sean Payton retired from the Saints. I hope Todd doesn’t leave, too, even though he made a few mistakes. Our team can be on a reload or a rebuild..so many things are happening around the league and our consistent, wonderful, elder QB’s are slowly opting for the couch.