Tom Brady to the Dolphins is not a new story. In fact, it is a pretty tired topic. But where there's smoke there's fire, and there's definitely smoke here. Rewind to the 2020 offseason when Tom Brady was a free agent. Miami was under serious consideration by Brady, but Tampa was the ready made team that was a quarterback away. Miami was still a few years away from that. Then in 2021 Dolphins team owner Stephen Ross conjured up the plan to get Brady and pair him with Sean Payton. That plan was on it's way to happening before Brian Flores sued Ross and the NFL. Ross's plans cost the Dolphins a first round draft pick after the league found he had tampered with Brady not just in 2021, but in 2022 also.
This seemed like a dead story after week 11. The Dolphins were 8-3, and undefeated with Tua Tagovailoa starting and finishing games. Then December rolled around. Five straight losses to the 49ers, Chargers, Bills, Packers, and Patriots. Tua's play leading up to Christmas against Green Bay had dropped off tremendously. And Tua then suffered his second or third concussion this season. A season that started with such optimism was suddenly DOA. And a team that is seemingly consistent quarterback play away from being a contender has serious questions at the position. Obviously Tua's long-term health is the most important thing. But I don't think it's unreasonable to ask the question of if he should play moving forward, and what should the Dolphins do if he is not the long term answer.
Enter the newest report that Tom Brady to the Dolphins is "definitely on the table". That is what one source is telling Mike Florio and Pro Football Talk. Tom Brady will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and it feels like his time in Tampa is coming to an end. Miami's salary cap looks tight at the moment. However, there are a few moves the Dolphins could make that would free up over $70 million for 2023. I doubt Stephen Ross has the ability to execute such a move, but we do know that appetite to attempt it. Let's just hope he doesn't cost his franchise another first round draft pick. here are some other locations that make sense for Brady should he return in 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are moving on from Derek Carr this offseason. Brady and Josh McDaniels worked together for years in Foxboro. Add All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Hunter Renfrow, and Vegas makes all the sense in the world.
San Francisco 49ers
This one seems unlikely considering Brock Purdy's play, and Trey Lance waiting in the wings. However, if the 9ers are interested, I'm sure Tom would want to finish his career where he grew up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It looks like Tampa might have figured out some things on offense. If that continues in the playoffs and they make a deep run, the smartest thing to do might be to stay where you are.
New York Jets
Jets owner Woody Johnson says that they are going to be aggressive at the quarterback position this offseason. Nothing would be more aggressive than going after the GOAT. I don't think Brady would want to go to New York, but crazier things have happened.
