Tom Brady was set to count at least $8 million against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ salary cap for the 2022 season. It looks like the Bucs are going to get their money’s worth this fall.
Brady, 44 years old and coming off a season in which he threw a league-best 43 touchdowns and 5,316 passing yards, has reversed course on his retirement plans. In a tweet posted Sunday night — moments after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket was unveiled in an impressive middle finger to sportswriters everywhere — he announced he’ll return for a 23rd season. And, to end any speculation about where, he specifically told the world he’ll be in Tampa.
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
It’s a massive development for the Buccaneers whose only other currently contracted quarterback is Kyle Trask (career NFL pass attempts: zero). And, stunningly, it came less than 24 hours after a game ball that was advertised as his last touchdown pass ever sold for more than half a million dollars.
Brady will return to one of the league’s most dynamic passing offenses and give wide receiver Chris Godwin a little added incentive to sign his franchise tender or reach a long-term extension with the team. Suddenly, a wide-open NFC South looks like Tampa Bay’s dominion.
But Bruce Arians and general manager Jason Licht have only solved their most pressing problem. The Bucs have plenty of holes left to fill on their roster and currently have negative salary cap space with which to get it done. What comes next? And how does this affect the rest of the NFL?
