Tom Brady certainly gave the impression he’d played his last down for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his post-game media availability following Tampa’s 31-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys last weekend.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported that several Tampa Bay players believe Brady won’t return next season — a sentiment shared by former Bucs All-Pro cornerback Ronde Barber, who’s now an NFL analyst for The 33rd Team.
“I’m not sure that they really should keep Tom,” Barber said. “I think this team is at a point where they’re going to let him make the decision. Obviously, it’s Tom Brady, he can make the decision. But this team probably is looking to evolve a little bit away from what they have once been. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s somewhat of a mutual parting if he is not here in the 2023-24 season.”
According to Rapoport, the sentiment in the Bucs locker room following their playoff elimination was Brady had said his final goodbyes to the team.