Tom Brady rocked the football world on Saturday when it was reported the 44-year-old Hall of Fame quarterback would retire after a 22-year career that saw him win seven Super Bowls and set every major passing record in NFL history.
Until, of course, news broke that he hadn't actually decided to retire — yet.
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The question now becomes, if not now, when? Brady signed a one-year extension with the Buccaneers through the 2022 season, a contract that included a $20 million signing bonus. Per Spotrac, $15 million of that was deferred to Feb. 2, 2022 — a possible date for Brady to officially announce his retirement. His agent, Don Yee, said as much when news initially broke on Saturday that he was retiring:
"He knows the realities of the football business and planning calendar as well as anybody, so that should be soon," Yee said.
However, there's a potential hitch for Brady if he does indeed choose to retire after Feb. 4: His current contract stipulates that, if he were to retire after the 2021 season, Tampa Bay could recoup $16 million in signing bonuses. Such a decision would negate Brady's post-Feb. 4 signing bonus and render the timing of such a decision moot.
Of course, there's the possibility that the Bucs could pay him the full $15 million signing bonus without incurring any penalty for retiring before the completion of his current contract. Brady has been more than a sound investment, leading Tampa Bay to the second Super Bowl title in franchise history, and first since the 2002 season.
Or the two parties could work out a deal where the team doesn't incur the $16 million penalty yet doesn't pay the $15 million bonus to Brady. Regardless, the formation of Brady's contract and his status as one of the game's all-time greats likely means the Feb. 4 date will be inconsequential.
There's more to Brady's decision than simply adding another $15 million to his bank account: He said his family will play a significant role in his ultimate decision. If Brady does decide to finally hang his cleats up, it won't be because he can't play, either.
Brady enjoyed career-highs in 2021 with 5,316 passing yards, 485 completions and 719 attempts. His 43 touchdowns and 67.5 completion percentage both ranked second for his career, as well. He also set a career high with 312.7 passing yards per game. All of those stats, minus the completion percentage, led the NFL in 2021.
But the Bucs have a potentially tough task ahead of them in rebuilding for next season: Wide receiver Chris Godwin, running back Leonard Fournette, center Ryan Jensen, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, cornerback Carlton Davis III and tight end Rob Gronkowski are all set to become free agents this offseason.