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ICYMI: Tom Brady has retired! No, we're not recycling the same announcement we made last year. It still applies, though, so if you like, you can read that here.
What's next for the GOAT? Well, like lots of former NFL players, he's headed to the broadcast booth to cash in on an absolutely monstrous contract with Fox Sports. He inked a 10-year, $375 million deal with the company in May of 2022 — incredibly worth over $40 million more than he's made in his entire 23 years in football.
While we don't have the actual schedule of when the games are being played, we do have a full list of matchups for the 2023 NFL seasons. Here are five games I think Brady should probably not call in the booth at the risk of being lured back out of retirement... cause they're just that good.
Bills vs. Chiefs
The moment the Bills and Chiefs competed in the Divisional Round of the 2021-22 NFL Playoffs, it became clear that these two franchises are destined for a very competitive modern-day rivalry.
In case you needed a reminder of the magic, you can watch the video of the final two minutes and OT period of that game here. It is arguably the best final two minutes of football that anyone has ever seen.
Bills vs. Bengals
This is the other budding NFL rivalry that I can't get enough of. 26-year-old Joe Burrow is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. So is 26-year-old Josh Allen. We <3 the youth. Out with the old (Tom Brady) and in with the young (Burrow + Allen). Seeing that the latest comp for Burrow has actually been Tom Brady thanks to his impeccable decision-making, it feels plausible that this game would totally bait Brady back out of retirement.
BTW, why do all NFL rivalries lead back to Josh Allen?
Jaguars vs. 49ers
I'm getting a little presumptive with this one — stay with me! Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence — AKA, Mr. No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — took a massive leap forward in Year 2 under the guidance of HC Doug Pederson. Jacksonville took their first trip to the Divisional Round since
Could 49ers QB Trey Lance be ready for a breakout of his own in Year 3? Maybe. The latest injury news on Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy certainly makes it a more likely possibility, with the latest speculation being he could miss up to a year as he makes his recovery. Lance was a high-upside prospect coming out of North Dakota State, though he had a relatively short resume and hasn't really had any more experience since his collegiate run. Still, Purdy's injury affords the 49ers a chance to re-explore Lance's upside without guilt and without question.
Browns vs. Rams
Okay, hear me out. I'm speculating again! Sean McVay is returning for the 2023 NFL season, and he really seemed to find a groove with QB Baker Mayfield. Remember that Thursday Night Football miracle game? Yeah, that will go down in history.
If you'd like to relive the fun before we keep reading, click here.
Baker Mayfield will hit free agency for the first time in his career in 2023, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Rams resigned him to a deal as Matthew Stafford's backup. Stafford's season ended early following a spinal cord contusion that sent him to IR and left many in doubt as to whether or not we'd see him back on the field.
Stafford doesn't plan to retire at this point, but if he did change his mind and Mayfield happened to be under center, this would be the game of the century.
I'd really love to see a Baker Mayfield-Browns revenge game. PLEASE. The people need it. Tom Brady, however, would not need this, at least as long as he is attempted to be content in the broadcast booth. Undoubtedly, this would be a fun game to call.
