This next offseason lacks the kind of blockbuster QB carousel lineup we knew was coming in January 2022, when Aaron Rodgers threatened to, and Russell Wilson succeeded in, forcing his way off his longtime roster to search for opportunities elsewhere. But it also features the kind of hysterical hype surrounding one blockbuster in particular—the potential whereabouts of the greatest player in NFL history—which will consume us all in an unhealthy way.
Why, on the eve of a new season, do we start talking about maneuvers that might happen following the playoffs? Just look at what happened this offseason, with the NFL penalizing the Dolphins for going after Tom Brady illegally, countless times, over the course of three years. Look at Sean McVay partying with Matt Stafford in Cabo San Lucas the year before. While one was against the rules, these kinds of massive, franchise-altering roster moves have groundwork laid well in advance. So much of what happens in early 2023 will be thanks to the agent, executive and coaching chatter happening now.
With that in mind, welcome to the first spin of the 2023 QB carousel. Below are all the names of players who could end up factoring into our conversation in the coming weeks and months, along with some guesses as to where they might end up playing 12 months from now. Expiring contracts, shaky coaching situations, rising college stars—everything is a factor.
Brady said it himself: Most of the time, when he’s talking publicly about his football business, he’s not telling the truth. I’ve long passed the stage of outrage on this. As a reporter covering the NFL, I am not entitled to know Brady’s secret plans and desires. However, as an NFL executive, how would you handle a 46-year-old man who will be on your roster next year having (likely) already secured a slice of ownership, with his prepackaged coach in tow? That would seem to be what it will take to get him to your respective locale and sell out the vacant luxury boxes with his globetrotting pack of billionaire friends. What teams out there are ready to play ball? No offense, Tampa Bay, but it would seem Brady is doing the bare minimum in feigning interest there (if he’s lying at press conferences, doesn’t it stand to reason he’s lying in an Instagram post about how excited he is to take care of unfinished business in Tampa?) He will be available in 2023. Though, it would seem, he probably already knows where he’s headed. The question is where, and what other quarterback—as Brady might say—will get jarred loose in the process.
Next stop: This is tough, because Brady, to me, has to end his career in a place that is storied, meaningful and stockpiled with talent. Plus, a place that will likely sweeten the pot in a real and significant way. So here are four possibilities …
• Titans: Why? An ownership group that could use some spice and flair, a coach who is Brady-adjacent (former Patriots teammate Mike Vrabel) and a team ready to win now, quite similar to the Buccaneers. Brady could ride the coattails of the end of Derrick Henry’s run as an every-down alpha running back and bring out the best in Treylon Burks.
• Jets: Why? To end his career in complete hysteria, further establish and launch his fleet of lifestyle brands and use the NFL’s internal promotion machine to hype all post-career aspirations through a pair of in-season matchups with Bill Belichick and Josh Allen. The talent on this roster is pretty good. Brady was eyeing the 49ers when current Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was working there. Resurrecting a franchise that’s fallen on hard times could be the final feather in his unmatchable cap, as if the Buccaneers weren’t moribund enough.
• Raiders: Why? To ride out his career on the West Coast, throw to Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and work in a Patriots-type environment (under longtime OC Josh McDaniels) that suits his tireless drive, while also being flexible to his life schedule at the end of his playing career.
• Bears: Why? Because how cool would that be? Brady waltzing into one of the founding family franchises and erasing decades of misery in one swift release of his throwing shoulder. Matt Eberflus is a McDaniels-approved, brilliant mind who could operate the defense expertly while Brady handles the offense. This would seem unlikely, but also incredibly fun.
