If the New England Patriots were to get crazy and trade Tom Brady to usher in a new era, which teams would be the best trade destinations for the quarterback?
With the emergence of Jimmy Garoppolo, many have wondered if this could be the end of Tom Brady’s tenure with the New England Patriots. If the Pats decide to part ways via trade, you know NFL teams are going to be lining up to sign the future Hall-of-Famer.
Brady originally had a three-year contract worth $27 million that extended through next season, but he signed a contract extension that would keep him with the Pats through 2019. At that point, the four-time Super Bowl champion would be 42 years old. Suffice it to say that no quarterback that age has fared well. The last quarterback of note to perform well in his 40s was Brett Favre in 2009 when he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 12-4 record and one drive from the Super Bowl by tossing for over 4,200 yards.
Of course, Garoppolo’s sprained AC joint suffered in the 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 might have Bill Belichick and Company makes a trade even less likely than before. In fact, there’s almost a 100 percent chance that Tom Brady is never being traded.
However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t speculate a bit. So in the world of hypotheticals, if the Patriots were looking to trade Tom Brady, where would he land. Here’s a look at the seven teams that should be on the phones trying to land Touchdown Tom.
Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles away from New York Giants cornerback D. Rodgers-Cromartie (41) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
7. Dallas Cowboys
Tony Romo’s career is unofficially over. I don’t see how he bounces back from yet another (literally) back-breaking injury. If he doesn’t retire, the Cowboys are in a tough spot. Romo’s signed through 2019 and doesn’t have a manageable dead cap hit until June 2018.
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Dak Prescott impressed in the preseason and had an admirable effort against the New York Giants in Week 1, a game that might’ve been won had Terrance Williams got out of bounds to set up Dan Bailey for a game-winning kick.
If Prescott continues to play mistake-free football for the rest of the season (no interceptions through first two games) and puts the team in a good position to win every week, is that enough for Dallas? If the Cowboys go 8-8 and miss the playoffs, does that mean he’s “the guy?” Would Dak benefit from two or three years under Tom Terrific?
Odds are this is a fever dream even in a hypothetical. I don’t see Brady meshing well with that organization at all. Flashy, gaudy, and flamboyant (the Cowboy way) doesn’t jive with Brady’s personality or demeanor.
However, the chance to beat the New York Giants twice a year? The opportunity to be America’s Game of the Week with America’s Team a handful of times per year? Maybe Tom brings some sort of semblance and order amongst the chaos in Big D. And Dallas is just crazy enough to consider it. Hell, they almost took Johnny Manziel in the draft.
Sep 12, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
6. Washington Redskins
Hail To Tom Brady? #HTTB? It’s a make or break season for Kirk Cousins. He’s playing under the franchise tag and if he continues to put up big numbers, but doesn’t pull down victories, then what’s the point?
Many have said that Tom Brady could have political aspirations and Washington, DC is the place to be for that kind of career path. Unlike the Cowboys, who many believe have the talent to be Super Bowl contenders, the ‘Skins have been an unpopular pick to win the NFC East (0-2 to start the 2016 season). In other words, there’s a cloud of doubt surrounding this franchise.
The team’s two top wideouts, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon, are both free agents after this season. However, that could be a position of strength in trade negotiations regarding Brady. Tom would have the opportunity to have some say in who the team acquires in free agency and the draft. Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder could step up while Jordan Reed and Matt Jones look promising.
It’s hard to see Brady opting for a team that’s seemingly on the playoff fringe, though. In the end, there are too many question marks.
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) passes against the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter at Levi
5. San Francisco 49ers
What a mess. Colin Kaepernick is signed through 2020 and is scheduled to have cap hits totaling nearly $45 million over the next three years before he can be cut without any major financial impact.
The Niners reportedly tried to deal Kap to Denver, but that fell through. The New York Jets were a possibility before Ryan Fitzpatrick re-upped. Of course, the Cleveland Browns were rumored to have interest, but then picked up Robert Griffin III (who’s now hurt) and drafted USC’s Cody Kessler. When Tony Romo went down, Kap was a top candidate to replace him. Same went for the Minnesota Vikings when Teddy Bridgewater suffered his season-ending injury. Yet, here we are: Kap is still a Niner.
If Kaepernick’s contract weren’t so brutal, a three-team trade could be manageable. But it’s hard to imagine any organization, even the Browns, taking a chance on a guy who’s losing a battle to Blaine Gabbert and comes with such a hefty price tag.
Add in the fact that the 49ers were Tom Brady’s favorite team growing up, you might think nostalgia might kick in to favor San Fran. But, after the team passed on Tom in the 2000 NFL Draft for Giovanni Carmazzi and Tim Rattay, could Brady still hold a grudge against them?
If not, San Fran is the tech capital of the country and the nation’s sixth largest media market. Brady getting in on the tech boom would be a great post-football transition. But, the team seems too far off from contention.
Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
4. Chicago Bears
But what about Jay Cutler? Yeah, what about Jay Cutler. He’s signed through 2020, but there have been subtle grumblings and not-so-subtle hot takes about Jay’s place with the team. While he looked like he might lead the Bears to the promised land his first year or two, it certainly feels like his time on the roster is waning.
Why Chicago? Well, for starters, it’s the No. 3 media market in the U.S. Brady would automatically become the top athlete in town.
At least in terms of their sports fans, The Windy City and Beantown are at least somewhat similar as well. The fan-base is generically blue-collar with passion behind their feelings for their teams. However, winning and a Hall-of-Fame career helped Boston fall in love with Tom Brady. Thus, you could almost surely expect the same from the fans of Chicago.
If the Bears cut Cutler after June 1, 2017, they only absorb $1 million in dead cap space. Just food for thought when looking at this notion of Brady being on the move.
Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) calls out from the goal line in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Panthers 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
3. Denver Broncos
Denver’s not a major media market, but they’re the team that’s built for success in the near future. They have a solid running game, great wide receivers, and a vicious defense. When Peyton Manning can put up the worst games of his career and win a Super Bowl, you’re in a good position. When second year quarterback Trevor Siemian can step in and still beat the NFC Champion Carolina Panthers, you have to feel really good about your chances.
Would Brady stay in the AFC? There seems to be less competition there. In the NFC, you have the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings and the emerging New York Giants providing serious competition. In the AFC? The Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are the two biggest challengers.
Take a look at Super Bowl history. The Steelers and Pats have been the AFC rep nine of the past 15 times. The Manning-led Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos were the other squads. With Andrew Luck in Indy, and Joe Flacco in B-more, Denver would be the obvious choice.
Now, could Brady bring himself to play for John Elway? Would Pats fans spontaneously combust seeing Brady in a Broncos uni? It’s almost too much for a fan to handle just thinking about such things.
Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
2. New York Jets
Since Eli Manning is the man for the New York Giants for the next four or five years, and Gang Green is most likely without a quarterback in 2017, Brady could do the unthinkable and become a New York Jet.
I know. Unfathomable. Not after all these years of trashing the Jets. You think Brady in a Broncos uni would get the blood boiling in New England, Touchdown Tom in a Jets uniform could cause a storm that ends in secession.
Of course, Tom’s currently a god in New England. Why would he ruin that? Boston Red Sox icon Wade Boggs went to the New York Yankees and won a World Series. I’m sure there are those in Boston who still spit on the ground when they hear his name. But, this is Tom Brady. They’re the New York Jets.
As unimaginable as it seems, New York’s the top media market in the U.S. and would allow Tom and Gisele to comfortably establish a footprint then build their empire to epic proportions. The Jets are in a favorable position to win in 2017 with Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall, Matt Forte, and a respectable defense. Thus, you can’t rule it out in this imaginative exercise.
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during a NFL game at Levi
1. Los Angeles Rams
If the Rams coaches are to be believed, first overall draft pick Jared Goff is not close to starting. What better way to get him game-ready than to bring in a legend for a couple years? Had the Rams stayed in St. Louis, this move would be out of the question, but if Brady has big plans for his brand after his playing days are done, LA’s a great place to begin.
Yes, the team looked atrocious in their opening week shutout loss to a mid-tier 49ers squad. But then L.A. came back with a big win at home over the fledgling Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 thanks to a superb defensive effort.
The Rams also have one of the league’s premier running backs in Todd Gurley. Who knows, with a new coaching staff (In Jeff Fisher’s last 11 seasons as head coach, he’s had two winning seasons), this team could use the momentum from the relocation and the acquisition of Brady to build something special.
Of course, Brady would be going to the toughest division in football in the NFC West. Even still, the Rams offer the best possible option for if Tom Brady were to get traded. Not that we’ll ever see that day, but still.
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