The NFL has been buzzing since after the Super Bowl about Tom Brady potentially leaving the New England Patriots. His name has been inseparable from the franchise, where he helped craft one of sports’ greatest dynasties, spanning two decades. It is the first time he ever even reaches free agency, as he has taken team-friendly deals to stay in Foxboro. Now, in the twilight of his career, he wants one big payday, and the chance to prove that he can win outside of New England.
While teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts seem to have interest in signing the six-time Super Bowl winner, one under-the-radar team that makes sense is the Tennessee Titans. After the team made it all the way to the AFC Championship game, Brady might be just what they need to take them to the promised land.
Tom Brady to the Tennessee Titans Is an Under-the-Radar Fit
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
Brady played what might be his last game with the Patriots in the wild card round of the 2019 playoffs. He lost to none other than the Tennessee Titans. Tom Terrific looked far from himself, barely clearing 200 yards passing and failing to throw for a touchdown against the Titans’ ferocious defense. Devoid of any real skill-position talent around him, Brady struggled.
With Tennessee bottling up Brady’s favorite target, Julian Edelman, he had no other real options to go to on the field. Scat back James White predictably led the team in catches and yards, but only managed a measly five catches and 62 yards. Benjamin Watson was second on the team – three catches for 32 yards. Their run game didn’t help much, with Sony Michel only able to muster 61 yards. Compare that to Derrick Henry, who had 182 yards.
Brady was helped along during the year by a top-ranked defense. But when he went up against another good defense, his side of the ball just couldn’t keep up. With the Titans offense full of young talent, it would be a great fit for Brady to finish his career and get out from Bill Belichick’s shadow.
The Last Missing Piece
The Titans began the year with Marcus Mariota behind center. Ryan Tannehill came to town from the Miami Dolphins to back up the supposed franchise quarterback, but there were whispers that Mariota was on a short leash. That came to fruition in Week 7 when Tannehill got his first start of the season. After starting 2-4 under Mariota, Mike Vrabel’s team went 7-3 down the stretch with Tannehill.
Yes, Tannehill made some plays. But the reality is that he really didn’t have to do much behind the punishing run game of Henry, the league’s leading rusher. In fact, the very same game that Brady barely cleared 200 yards passing, Tannehill didn’t get past 75 yards through the air and only completed eight passes. The next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, when he was forced to air it out more, Tannehill actually had a similar stat line to Brady, minus the interceptions.
But Brady brings more than stats to a team. He brings leadership. Guys want to listen to him because he knows what he is talking about. Vrabel provides some of what Brady brings, having also played with Brady and won Super Bowls. But Vrabel played defense. Brady is on offense. He can help some of the young guys like A.J. Brown, Corey Davis, and Jonnu Smith. Tannehill is great, but why not go all out, and get Brady?
Could Keep Around Other Players
The Titans come into the 2020 free agency period with the eighth-highest cap space in the NFL, with $54.5 million. Many are thinking that the Titans have plans to re-sign Tannehill, who is projected to be worth around $30 million a year after his play earned him Comeback Player of the Year in 2019. Reports are also out there that the Las Vegas Raiders are prepared to offer Brady about the same per year.
The Titans could pull a full-on switch, letting Tannehill walk in favor of Brady. And it also means some of their players could come back for a little less if it means playing with the GOAT. Logan Ryan played with Brady back in New England from 2013 to 2016. He won two Super Bowls with the team in 2014 and 2016.
While he may be willing to take a short-term deal for a chance at a third Super Bowl, the other two top players on the Titans’ list could be a little trickier. Henry has said publicly that his floor is “Zeke Money,” referencing Ezekiel Elliott’s six-year, $90 million deal.
"Zeke number is the floor." –@KingHenry_2 told us what he's expecting come #NFL free agency:#Titans #RESMiami #SuperBowlLIV pic.twitter.com/sXvCao4prk
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) January 31, 2020
Jack Conklin is the other piece of the puzzle that Tennessee would want to hold onto, especially to protect Brady at his advanced age. However, his market value is looking to be around $15 million a year. So, between Henry, Conklin, and Brady, the Titans would be over the cap.
When it comes down to it, the team might try to stick with Henry, the player who got them so far in the playoffs and let Conklin walk. Unless of course, he wants to work something out to play with Brady.
