Tom Brady announced Tuesday that he’ll leave the Patriots in free agency, ending the San Mateo native’s legendary 20-year New England run that included six Super Bowl championships and numerous NFL records.
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For anyone thinking a Brady homecoming is in the works, not so fast. NBC Sports’ Chris Simms reported Sunday that while the 49ers were Brady’s top choice, the team has decided to stick with Jimmy Garoppolo as its quarterback.
Garoppolo backed up Brady in New England for three-plus seasons, winning two Super Bowls, before being traded to San Francisco in 2017 for a second-round draft pick. He led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance in just his second full season as their starting QB.
Brady didn’t reveal his next destination in his announcement, but NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the 42-year-old has received big contract offers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers.
Brady to the Bucs might create another challenge in the NFC for the 49ers, who won the conference last season and appear primed for another Super Bowl run with most of their core returning.
While the NFL awaits Brady's decision, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the three-time league MVP hasn't picked his next team.
ESPN's Jeff Darlington, who has seemed plugged into Brady's camp this offseason, expects the QB to be "quick and quiet" in the process. Whatever Brady decides, though, will be loudly heard throughout the NFL.