After 20 illustrious years with the New England Patriots, Tom Brady decided to leave for a new opportunity in free agency, signing a two-year, $50 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Before the 2019 season, Brady signed a new deal that was set up to be voided so that he could become a free agent this offseason. The Bucs managed to win the TB12 sweepstakes over the Los Angeles Chargers
Despite long-standing beliefs among the football world that Brady would finish out his career in Foxborough, he ultimately decided it was time to leave a franchise that he won six Super bowls with.
During a conference call on Monday, Patriots head coach and acting general manager Bill Belichick decided not to give too much insight and detail into Brady's departure.
"I think that’s water under the bridge," Belichick said, via Nicole Yang of Boston.com. "We’re really focused on this season.
"It would be, of course, impossible to sum up everything Tom did in 20 years. I meant everything I said about him and I am sure we will be talking about him for years and decades to come. Right now, we’re moving forward and focusing on the draft."
Belichick has a well-documented habit of being monotone with the media, often giving short answers and refusing to discuss certain players and events. That didn't change here with Brady, a six-time Super Bowl champion and three-time MVP.
It's always been "next man up" with Belichick, widely regarded as the greatest coach in history. That's the same case here as they begin the post-Brady era.
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During an interview on The Howard Stern Show last week, Brady emphasized his desire "to experience something very different," while pointing out that he accomplished everything he could with the Patriots franchise. Brady also listed "family decisions," as a factor; his son Jack lives in New York.
Brady will join a Tampa Bay team that hasn't made the postseason since 2007. He'll be led by "quarterbacks whisperer" head coach Bruce Arians and a pair of dynamic wideouts in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
As for the Patriots? Veteran backup and longtime Brady understudy Brian Hoyer and second-year product Jarrett Stidham are the only quarterbacks on the roster. The Patriots can always look at other options in the draft or in free agency, though.
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