In case you didn't know Tom Brady is a free agent. He has a choice to stay with the Patriots or choose another team. While some may say that the market for a 42 year old Quarterback should only be as a back up, you are missing the point.
Remember awhile ago, Peyton Manning was coming off neck surgery, he changed teams and won a Super Bowl with the Broncos. I know Peyton was 36 at the time that he changed teams, which is a big difference.
But this is Tom Brady. That guy may play until he's 50. He has played in 9 Super Bowls. He has more playoff wins as a player than 27 different NFL teams. Let that sink in. He also has been in more Super Bowls than all the NFL teams, aside from the Patriots.
If there is a player that deserves to experience the free agent process, albeit this late in his career, it is Tom Brady.
Now Tom Brady is a polarizing figure, not because of anything he has done but because he wins. Because of that, most people either hate him or love him, there is not a lot of in between.
One thing I need to clarify. I am not a Tom Brady fan, never have been. I do admire him for what he has accomplished. I just don't have a Tom Brady jersey or poster. I grew up idolizing Joe Montana, so in my mind no one should pass him, although Brady has in fact surpassed him. The other the reason I distance myself from him and the Patriots for that matter, is I am a die hard Red Sox fan. As such many have assumed that means I cheer for the Patriots. That is not the case. But that is another topic.
So what should Tom do?
Anything he wants. What fans don't realize sometimes is that being a free agent is great but it is also stressful. You are opening up the chance to change teams, which often can be good, but you also are changing cities and communities. Most fans think, they make millions, they can live where ever they want. I don't think it is that easy, you have to weigh the input of a wife and kids. Uprooting your family to sign on with another team is not easy.
Joe Montana brought up a great point in the article below, it take time to get used to the team and get used to the playbook and get on the same page as your coaches and players. Those things don't happen overnight.
If you look at the success of the Patriots, a lot of it is due to consistency in the head coach and quarterback.You could even add the time that Josh McDaniels has been there as a key component.
If I were Tom, I would wait and see what the Patriots do in the off-season, as well as any other teams he might consider signing with. Let them provide the team that he wants. His legacy will not be stained by changing teams, it will not lessen what he has accomplished.
If I am an Owner or GM that is an upgrade at Quarterback away from contending, I would sign Tom Brady, I think bringing in a proven winner can only help your franchise.
I liken it to when the Dodgers brought in Kirk Gibson from the Tigers in the late 80's. During Spring Training someone pulled a prank on him. He did not appreciate it and even said to the team, this is why you guys lose. He set the proper tone in Spring Training and they ended up winning the World Series. That may be a leap in logic, but I think the lesson may apply.
reference:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/joe-montana-gives-important-advice-to-tom-brady-ahead-of-impending-2020-free-agency/
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