By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Upon Tuesday’s report by Adam Schefter and Jeff Darlington that Tom Brady is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ian Rapoport came out with further details to solidify what appears to be Brady’s new team, and why.
According to Rapoport, the Bucs’ offer to Brady is for “roughly $30 million per year,” implying that it’s at least a two-year deal. The $30 million AAV would easily eclipse anything he made in New England in any given year. Rapoport also said that Tampa Bay is the only team known to actually make an offer, contradicting early reports that the Chargers made one. For that reason, the Bucs have reportedly been “confident” internally.
Ultimately, Tampa Bay may defy the idea that no team would offer Brady a multi-year deal starting in his age-43 season. Rapoport’s “$30 million per year” implies that Brady is getting more than one year. Brady wanted more commitment than just a year-to-year proposition, and it certainly looks like the Bucs will grant that wish.
Tampa Bay also falls in line with recent reports that Brady desired to stay on the east coast so he can remain close to his wife and children. The family headquarters is moving to Connecticut, so the Bucs became a much more logical destination than the Chargers with that added context. Schefter referred to unforeseen events as the only thing stopping Brady from going to Tampa, so that would be … what? The Dolphins swooping in? The Giants?
But the top NFL insiders are now pointing toward Tampa, and they had been pointing toward Brady leaving New England all along. Especially Schefter. It’s time to trust the reporting and that Brady is headed to Tampa.
And a big reason for the move is that the Bucs are likely giving him the multi-year commitment he couldn’t get anywhere else.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.