Quarterback Tom Brady hasn’t officially signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not yet. It seems the coronavirus, COVID-19, is holding up the final steps, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Buccaneers and Brady are ironing out some of the language in the contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But the coronavirus is also delaying the physical. Typically, Brady would travel to Tampa to see the team’s doctors. If he passed the physical, he could sign a contract.
In wake of the pandemic, the NFL mandated that teams cannot send private planes, nor pick up Brady to take him to the team facility (or any other medical facility). In fact, the Buccaneers facility must be closed. So the Buccaneers and Brady need to decide upon a doctor, likely a neutral one near where Brady is currently located, who will provide a physical which satisfied both parties.
UPDATE: While there had been a hold-up, it seems the Buccaneers and Brady have decided to work with a doctor in New York.
Brady’s deal with the Buccaneers is expected to total roughly $30 million per year, according to multiple reports. He announced Tuesday he would not be returning to the Patriots, and though he took some time to make a decision, he had just two true suitors: the Bucs and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Brady elected to join the Buccaneers, who boast coach Bruce Arians, a notorious quarterback whisperer. He’ll need to help elevate Brady’s play after one of his worst statistical seasons in 2019. Brady’s supporting cast last season was only one of the weakest he’s had. That won’t be true in Tampa. They have receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and tight ends O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. Brady’s production should spike.
But first things first: Brady has to sign a contract to officially make him a Buccaneer. And the physical is still pending.
