2020 NFL free agency: Crazy quarterback predictions
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Former team: Patriots. Tom Brady. 12. QB. player. 42
The San Francisco 49ers were less than half of a quarter of football away from winning their sixth title as a franchise, but unfortunately, the offense couldn’t put it away.
San Francisco has maybe the best offensive coach in football in Kyle Shanahan, a young roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, the best tight end in football, and a lot of motivation to get over the top.
The 49ers also have a minimal ($4.2 million) dead cap hit on Jimmy Garoppolo if they cut or trade him this offseason compared to a $26.6 million cap hit if they move forward with him under center.
Garoppolo is under contract for the next three seasons, and the 49ers need to seriously weigh whether or not he’s the guy who is going to get them over the top in the next three years, especially considering the possible alternatives.
One of those alternatives is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. It feels impossible that Brady would change teams at this stage in his career, which since 2000 has been entirely with New England. But Brady, a California native, may be due a change of scenery and even as he’s gotten older, he’s proven he can still make defenses look silly.
Brady struggled this past season in New England with no consistent weapons in the passing game and having players like George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and whoever else the 49ers could bring in as a result of this signing would seem to be incentive enough, but consider also that Brady is a California native who grew up rooting for the 49ers.
He has nothing left to prove in New England. His legacy is cemented there. He could go the sentimental route and try to finish out his career with the Pats, or he could go to the better, younger team.
There are no shortage of reasons that this kind of a move makes sense both for the 49ers and Brady.