Tom Brady’s Potential 2020 Landing Spots:
Dallas Cowboys:
The Dallas Cowboys on paper seem to have the best chance at luring Brady away from New England. They have an owner who loves to get what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get it. They have a proven head coach in Mike McCarthy and a star-studded roster on both sides of the ball. Brady would walk into a situation in Dallas where he could potentially have Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Gallup, and Amari Cooper to work with. These would be major upgrades to what Brady had to work with at New England this past season.
Dallas is the only franchise other than New England that has the trio of a great head coach, involved owner, and an elite defense that has been the backbone of Tom Brady’s success throughout his career. The biggest issue for Dallas is committing to the idea of moving on from their 26-year-old star quarterback for a 42-year-old quarterback who would be playing in a new system for the first time since 2000.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts are an interesting choice and the dark horse of this group to land Brady this offseason. The Colts had running back Marlon Mack emerge as an elite talent this season and they have weapons to help Brady if he were to sign with the Colts. Brady would join the franchise that once had Peyton Manning and would be able to help them in the always closely contested AFC South.
T.Y. Hilton would thrive with Brady at quarterback assuming he can stay healthy. Also, tight end Jack Doyle would have career numbers with Brady under center. The Colts’ offensive line would be able to protect Brady as well as anyone and the Colts’ defense has lots of young talent looking to take the next step. The Colts would be an interesting choice for Brady and could change the outlook of the AFC in 2020.
New England Patriots:
Obviously, New England has to be included because it’s hard to imagine Tom Brady playing in any other Uniform. Brady has been a Patriot his entire career. He must have gratitude to the organization that gave him his chance back in 2000. Brady and the Patriots haven’t seen eye to eye recently. However, they still have a top tier defense, future hall of fame head coach, and highly involved owner. Finding a franchise with all three of these things would be difficult to find outside of New England (except Dallas).
Returning to New England to continue the Patriots’ success in the AFC would seem like a top choice for Brady. Plus, he is already accustomed to the area and the way of doing things there. It would most certainly take a lot to sway Brady away from the franchise he helped put on the NFL map. Overall, it is up to Tom if he wants to leave or stay. If he stays, the AFC will once again have to get past New England in 2020.
Los Angeles Chargers:
The L.A. Chargers decided this offseason that they will move on from their aging long-time starter Phillip Rivers after signs of regression in 2019. This leaves the Chargers without a clear future at the quarterback position. Tom Brady would provide then with at least one season to set up their long-term future. L.A. could draft a quarterback high in the 2020 NFL draft and have him learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play while remaining competitive in the AFC.
The Chargers offer Brady the opportunity to live in Los Angeles and continue playing in the AFC where he has been his entire career. The Chargers have a stacked offense as well with Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry. They also have the option to bring back Austin Ekeler who would thrive with Tom Brady as his quarterback. Their defense has solid pieces too and who wouldn’t appreciate the chance to see Pat Mahomes and Brady face-off two times per season.
Las Vegas Raiders:
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that had been linked to Brady this offseason. The Raiders seemed committed to Derek Carr for 2019 but a lack of progression heading into a contract year had the Raiders looking at other options. Las Vegas offers Brady the opportunity to let a young workhorse running back in Josh Jacobs command the offense. Then Brady cleans up with his ability to make plays when it matters most. Head coach Jon Gruden would love to have a veteran like Brady running his offense. Gruden also constantly continues to build up the Raiders’ defense.
Gruden has added tons of young talent to the Raiders’ defense in hopes of them growing into an elite unit. Hopefully, for the Raiders, Brady feels that way too. The Raiders offer the smallest chance of success on this list for Brady due to their young roster needing time to find an identity and Brady doesn’t have the time left to wait on them. They also lack weapons on offense for Brady outside of Jacobs who is more of a pure runner than a pass catcher.
Final Thoughts:
I believe that Tom Brady is serious about potentially leaving the New England Patriots via Free Agency. However, I can’t imagine he would go through with it. Brady’s best fit for a championship would be the Cowboys, but moving on from Dak Prescott for the aging Brady would more than likely upset the fanbase who already dealt with a disappointing year in 2019. If I were to guess which franchise would be the most appealing to Brady outside of Foxborough? I would have to go with the Los Angeles Chargers. They have great offensive weapons, a solid defense, and, it’s L.A. Brady has to consider where he will be spending his life after football. L.A. could definitely be at the top of his list.
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