On February 1, 2022, Tom Brady officially announced that he was retiring from the game of football (ESPN.com). Brady was the biggest competitor that we have ever witnessed, appearing in 10 Super Bowls, seven of which he won. No matter the team he was on, players around him, or the deficit his team was facing, Brady found a way to fight and win football games. That’s why his retirement, coming shortly after a Divisional Round playoff loss to the Rams, surprises me. 

Brady has clearly been a great competitor, even at 44 years old. While Brady’s retirement was expected to happen, many were still shocked that it came after this season, one that Brady was an MVP candidate for. That, and the Buccaneers season ending in a heart-breaking loss, leads me to believe that, while still a minute possibility, Brady could come out of retirement. 

Although it is very unlikely that Brady does choose to return to the NFL, he could still transform many weaker franchises into Super Bowl contenders. Three teams that I think Brady could take his expertise to, not considering the Buccaneers or the Patriots, are the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, and the New York Jets (yes, this is serious.)

The 49ers would be an incredible fit for Brady, as he is a major step up from Jimmy Garappolo who still managed to take the 49ers to a Super Bowl in 2020 and helped the 49ers get to this season’s NFC Championship. With a solid group of receivers and a breakout running back in Elijah Mitchell, Brady would have a high-powered offense to help him return to the biggest game in football, one last time. 

The Broncos have arguably an even better roster than the 49ers, but suffered from poor QB play throughout the season that resulted in a mediocre campaign. Brady would change this and give his biggest adversaries, such as Patrick Mahomes II and the Chiefs, an ultimate test as he tries to return to the big stage. On top of that, the Broncos own the ninth overall pick in the draft which they could use to bolster their secondary or give Brady another weapon. 

Finally, we have the New York Jets, which I could see as a legitimate team to sign Brady. As ridiculous as this prediction sounds, it could happen. Brady is a known competitor with lots of heart and going to the Jets would be the ultimate test to show that Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time. Playing on a team that is historically mediocre, like the Jets, and finding success would immediately prove Brady to be the greatest of all time. On top of that, Brady could mentor young Jets QB Zach Wilson, which could help give them success in the future. 

Overall, there is still a very minute chance that Tom Brady does come out of retirement. However, if he does, virtually any team could use Brady in their hopes of winning a Super Bowl.