Tom Brady announces he’s leaving the New England Patriots — everything you need to know
Nearly 20 years after his time with the New England Patriots began, Tom Brady has announced it’s time to move on.
The future Hall of Fame quarterback took to social media early Tuesday morning to share the news, expressing his love for the Patriots but acknowledging his football journey will “take place elsewhere.”
FOREVER A PATRIOT pic.twitter.com/QSBOJBs4uy
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
LOVE YOU PATS NATION pic.twitter.com/lxSQZmnjPL
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 17, 2020
Patriots owner Robert Kraft explained how the conversation played out internally, saying that despite the departure, he loves Brady “like a son”:
Robert Kraft to ESPN: “Tommy initiated contact last night & came over. We had a positive, respectful discussion. It’s not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son”
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 17, 2020
Although the Patriots had been the odds-on favorites to re-sign Brady, according to FOX Bet, our Nick Wright says that the writing was on the wall when it came to Brady’s departure:
Brady gone.
But @getnickwright isn’t surprised. “All of the actual, available, tangible, information we had screamed Tom Brady was leaving New England.” — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/UCVk4xfIMz
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 17, 2020
With Brady’s announcement, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have become the overwhelming favorites to land Brady, according to FOX Bet:
? BREAKING NEWS: @TomBrady announced that he is moving on from New England ?
Here are the *NEW* odds for Brady’s next team and Tampa Bay is the OVERWHELMING favorite. Click below to see every team’s odds. ??
— FOX Bet (@FOXBet) March 17, 2020
Current and former players reacted to the news with a mix of predictions for what’s next and surprise:
Tom Brady going to the cowboys !!!!! #FreeAgency
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) March 17, 2020
????⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️??♂️??♂️??♂️ https://t.co/dOzL17nIBS
— Shoplightsout.com (@shawnemerriman) March 17, 2020
I guess all good things to truly come to an end! What an era for TB12 in New England! You can only grow but so much in the same soil??
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 17, 2020
What if there’s ANOTHER team in the mix for Tom Brady but is doing it very QUIETLY ?? Hmmmmmmm
— Harry Douglas (@HDouglas83) March 17, 2020
Brady was famously drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the Patriots. He became the starter for New England in 2001, leading the Pats to the first of six Super Bowl titles. He played in a record nine Super Bowls in his 18 healthy seasons as the starting quarterback in New England; he has never had a losing season as a starting QB.
Brady signed what was believed to be a two-year extension with the Patriots in August 2019, a day after his 42nd birthday. However, details later emerged that the deal essentially added money to Brady’s deal for 2019 and voided any remaining years on the contract, making Brady a free agent this offseason.
Back in January, Brady caused quite a stir when he posted a photo of himself either walking in or out of Gillette Stadium:
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 30, 2020
It just ended up being a commercial for Hulu, but apparently the post was more prescient than anyone realized.
With Brady’s free agency looming, he and Bill Belichick reportedly met earlier this month, with different sources reporting either that the meeting did not go well or that it was business as usual.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
