Tom Brady undergoing physical for Bucs with neutral doctor in New York
On Wednesday night it felt like Tom Brady and the Buccaneers hit a snag in his contract terms. But on Thursday, it appears they’ve hit the final stages.
Jan 4, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks with the media after a loss to the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Winslow Townson-USA TODAYBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
On Wednesday night it felt like Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hit a snag in his contract terms. But on Thursday, it appears they've reached the final stages of the deal.
ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted on Wednesday that the two sides were still working on finalizing Brady's contract, hours after many expected the official announcements to drop as the league year officially began. But there's some understandable context: the NFL's current restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic prohibit teams from bringing free agents (even their own) to their facilities to meet with team personnel, including team doctors. Teams and free agents are allowed, however, to agree upon a doctor to conduct a "neutral physician exam" to get the process done that way.
That is reportedly what the Bucs and Brady have done. According to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, who has been at the forefront of the Brady reporting in recent weeks, Brady is getting a physical with an agreed-upon doctor in New York. "Everyone is on the same page," Darlington says.
So, barring a last-minute shock with the physical, it sure sounds like there will finally be an official announcement of Brady to the Bucs as soon as Thursday. The league is in unprecedented times and that seems to explain why teams across the league are slow to announce new deals. Brady isn't alone. The only moves the Patriots have officially announced are their own internal signings and the trading of Duron Harmon.
Brady and the Bucs could set an example for how teams can get deals done despite the travel restrictions.
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.
