By Sean Gannon

On February 1^st, 2022, Tom Brady (otherwise known as the Goat) decided it was time to retire. After nearly 40 days, the 44-year-old quarterback decided, retirement would have to wait. On Sunday, March 13^th, 2022, Tom Brady turned to Twitter to announce that he would be returning for his 23^rd season. Statin, “These past two months, I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stand; that time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23^rd season in Tampa.”

Tampa Bay had always left the door open for Brady’s return, and they couldn’t be happier about his timing. Between today, March 14^th, 2022, at noon ET, and Wednesday, March 16^th at 4 pm ET, NFL teams are permitted to contact and enter contract negotiations with players who are set to become unrestricted free agents. Then, at 4 pm ET on March 16^th, the official new league year begins and Free Agency, where teams can sign any free agent. Tampa Bay was just in the market for a quarterback, but with Brady back, they can now focus on bringing back key positions to help with the Super Bowl aspirations the team carries. They immediately resigned center Ryan Jensen to a 3yr/$39 million deal, reinforcing a solid Buccaneers offensive line.

Brady enters this season in a weak NFC South division. The Saints just moved on from Head coach Sean Payton, there is currently no clear starter at quarterback, and off the field, issues could keep Kamara off the football field for some time. The Falcons seem to be looking to offload Matt Ryan, and Calvin Ridley, their star wide receiver, will miss the entire 2022 season due to gambling on games. The Panthers have a fantastic roster but still have not found their leader at the quarterback position. After watching three separate quarterbacks struggled last season, it’s hard to see them as legit playoff contenders. The Buccaneers look to be the favorite to win out the NFC South division title and make a deep playoff run yet again.

After his playoff loss to the Super Bowl-winning Rams, Brady is back and ready for vengeance. Teammates were quick to take to Twitter to express their excitement. Wide receiver Mike Evans shared “LFG,” Chris Godwin posted a smiley face emoji, Devin White said, “Lets Geaux Get Another 1,” and Jalen Ramsey seemed to be the happiest. Writing “THANK YOU! Throw the last touchdown on somebody else.” The NFL world feels right when Tom Brady is back out there; the question is, can he bring one more championship to his illustrious career? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, he would be the quarterback to do it.