Miami Iced: Tom Brady 'Not Expected' to Hear From Patriots Rival
Tom Brady won't be taking his talents to South Beach.
That's what the latest intel from ESPN's Adam Schefter hints as the former New England Patriots quarterback prepares to embark upon yet another offseason of speculation as a potential 24th NFL season lingers. The only form of South Floridian involvement, Schefter claims, would be if Brady finally takes the retirement plunge as the Miami Dolphins "are not expected to pursue" the current Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Brady and the Dolphins have been connected, as Miami was previously penalized for tampering violations, charges that cost them the 21st overall pick in this spring's draft and $1.5 million in fines. According to Schefter, the Dolphins' newfound hesitation comes from a dedication toward current franchise thrower Tua Tagovailoa, who posted career-best numbers despite a series of injuries (namely concussions) that limited him to 13 games this year. Behind a league-best 105.5 passer rating and an 8-5 record when Tagovailoa started, the Dolphins (9-8) reached the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Even though Brady, 45, is clearly far from the height of his powers, his final box scores in what's presumed to be his third and final Tampa Bay season were at least statistically respectable, throwing for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdown passes compared to only nine interceptions. Alas for Brady, he was subjected to a first-round elimination at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, as Tampa Bay dropped a 31-14 decision in the Wild Card stanza.
Miami would perhaps accept Brady on their roster if only to keep his carnage contained: Brady's prowess against the AFC East, generated over his lauded two-decade career in New England, doomed the Dolphins for years, as Brady owns a 24-12 record against them. That's good for his third-best win total against any individual team behind only Buffalo (33) and the New York Jets (30).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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