According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bucs quarterback Tom Brady has finally agreed to a restructured contract with the team. The new-look deal has created over $9 million in salary cap space for the 2022 season. But the Bucs did not extend Brady, so the quarterback is still slated to be a free agent next offseason.
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers restructured his 2022 contract today, creating over $9 million of added salary cap space for Tampa Bay as it gets ready to head into next week’s draft, league sources tell ESPN. Brady still is scheduled to be a free agent after this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2022
Brady will turn 45 in August, during the beginning of training camp. As the Tampa Bay signal caller enters his 23rd season, some expect it to be his last. After all, Brady retired for 40 days following the 2021 campaign. However, the quarterback returned to the team about a month ago to compete for another Super Bowl title. Brady led the NFL last season with 5,316 yards passing and 43 touchdowns. This will be his third season leading the Bucs offense.
Expect the Bucs to put the money cleared by Brady’s restructure to good use. Tight end Rob Gronkowski and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh remained un-signed with the draft six days away. Last we heard, Gronkowski had yet to make a decision about continuing his football career or retiring for the second time. However, the 32-year old tight end has said he will only play for the Bucs if he returns.
Meanwhile, Suh has already made it known he wishes to return to Tampa Bay for another season. But the Bucs haven’t made a move just yet, as they eye a draft class with a few good defensive tackles at the top. Tampa Bay currently holds the No. 27 overall pick in the draft. Regardless, it’s likely Suh returns to the team at some point. And Brady’s contract restructure should help make the move happen when the time comes.