This time, there was no miracle at Gillette Stadium. No magic from Tom Brady.
Perhaps the greatest quarterback ever, Brady wasn’t so great Sunday night as the New England Patriots lost an AFC wild-card playoff game to the Tennessee Titans. An offensive machine throughout his career, Brady only led his team to 13 points.
One playoff loss? Anywhere else and with any other quarterback, it wouldn’t be such a big deal. But it’s different with New England and Brady because he has won six Super Bowl championships for New England. There might not be another for a long time. We might have seen the end of a dynasty.
Let’s cut to the chase. Was this the end of Brady’s reign in New England?
There’s no definite answer out there, at the moment. Brady, 42, has done a good job of creating a mysterious future. He can go in multiple directions and not all the possibilities include a return to New England.
Brady’s contract is up. He could choose to re-sign with the Patriots. He could decide to retire or he could go somewhere else as a free agent. Let’s examine the possibilities.
3. Go somewhere else
Brady in a uniform other than New England’s? Yes, it suddenly is more possible than ever. Brady, who will turn 43 in August, has been silent about his future recently. But he has said multiple times in the past he thinks he can play until 45. Will he do it with New England? That probably will be Brady’s call.
But there are some things worth considering. Brady previously put his Massachusetts home on the market. The Patriots didn’t have much talent at the skill positions around Brady this season. He’s a competitor and he might feel like he would have a better shot at another Super Bowl somewhere else. Plus, his offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels, could end up as the head coach of another team.
But where else would Brady go if he chooses to finish his career somewhere else? I see two scenarios. One is Chicago. The Bears have great defensive talent, but quarterback Mitchell Trubisky held them back this year. The other scenario – a more likely one – is the Los Angeles Chargers.
Think about that for a moment. Brady is a California guy. The Raiders will be moving to Las Vegas. The 49ers and Rams aren’t in the market for a quarterback. But the Chargers will be moving on from Philip Rivers. As the Chargers get ready to share a new stadium with the Rams, they desperately need a drawing card. Brady is the biggest name of all.
2. Retire
Yes, Tom Brady previously has said he believes he can play until he’s 45 and he just might. But maybe he’ll have a change of heart and decide to end his career. After all, the man has a family and has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in football. He can walk away now and be considered the greatest quarterback ever.
Then again, it’s tough to imagine Brady, who has kept himself in great shape, going out this way. He’s the ultimate competitor and the only fitting way for him to go out is after winning another Super Bowl title – somewhere.
Return to New England
Tom Brady is a New England institution that might be bigger than Ted Williams, Larry Bird or Bobby Orr. If he’s going to play next season, the Patriots will have the first shot. Brady may want to finish his career with a Super Bowl in the same place he started his career. But the Patriots have to promise to get him more offensive weapons if they’re going to entice him to come back.
Really, it all comes down to whatever Brady wants.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
