31 January 2023 , 15:55
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Former NFL coach Rex Ryan believes Tom Brady could spurn retirement and join the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 season.
Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers were comprehensively defeated 31-14 by the Dallas Cowboys to end his 23rd NFL season at the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. As he left the field, Brady doffed his cap to the fans and kissed his parents before disappearing down the Raymond James Stadium tunnel, suggesting his time in Florida is set to be over after three years.
The quarterback is rumoured to be considering retirement as he heads into the offseason, and he will take time before making his decision. Brady famously retired last offseason only to reverse the devision just 40 days later.
In his third season with the Bucs, Brady passed for 4,694 yards - the third-most in the NFL - and 25 touchdowns, so he is clearly still capable. The seven-time Super Bowl champion also set NFL records for the most pass attempts (733) and completions (490) in a single season in league history.
Ahead of Brady entering free agency for just the second time in his illustrious career, speculation is rife regarding the franchises he could join. Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan suggested the NFL icon could join the Washington Commanders as he chases an eighth ring.
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“This is going to be a crazy one, but I’m telling you, watch the Washington Commanders in this,” Ryan said on ESPN’s NFL Countdown. “
“Here’s why I say it could happen. There’s a strong possibility that there’s going to be a change in ownership and when that happens, these owners aren’t tied into that coach. And to me, I can see a Sean Payton, Tom Brady.
“We talk about Miami, well it wasn’t just Miami contacting Brady, it was Sean Payton, it was going to be that marriage of those two. So, I could possibly see that down the road if he doesn’t sign with the Raiders immediately. I could see this as a possibility.”
There was a sense of finality in Tom Brady’s press conference after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff exit as he nears free agency (Getty Images)While retirement is an option, many expect Brady to join a new team in 2023. He has been linked with a sensational return to the New England Patriots as well as moves to the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the Dolphins will spurn the chance to sign the iconic signal-caller in favour of sticking with Tua Tagovailoa for 2023. It emerged recently that Brady had rented an apartment in Miami, sparking rumours he could sign with the Dolphins to potentially replace Tagovailoa - but it transpired that Brady’s children simply live in the city with ex-wife Gisele Bundchen.
Back in 2019, Brady and elite head coach Sean Payton were courted by the Dolphins only for the franchise to be found guilty of violating tampering regulations for contacting the then-Patriots quarterback and New Orleans Saints boss. The Dolphins were penalised a first round pick as well as a $1.5 million fine.
The Commanders may not be a bad shout from Ryan amid question marks hanging over their future ownership. Controversial owner Dan Snyder has put the franchise up for sale with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos believed to be among the frontrunners.
Washington’s quarterback carousel saw Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and rookie Sam Howell all start this past season. The Commanders finished 8-8-1 in 2022, which was bottom of an incredibly competitive NFC East.