NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Peliserro are reporting that “all options are on the table” for Bucs quarterback Tom Brady. The 45-year old quarterback could play a 24th season in the NFL at age 46 in 2023.

That includes possibly returning for a fourth season in Tampa Bay.

Or it could mean Brady playing elsewhere in 2023 as he is not under contract next year.

Rapoport and Pelissero report: “Could he sign elsewhere? There surely are teams that regret not trying harder to sign Brady three years ago. Even at 45, he’d be an upgrade (albeit likely a short-term one) over plenty of QBs starting now. Over half the league has QB questions entering this offseason. If Brady feels his best chance to win another Super Bowl is not in Tampa, it makes sense he’d look to move on for the right situation. Family considerations surely will play into any decision, as they did in 2020, with his children currently living on the East Coast.”

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

There was interest from Miami to lure Brady and trade for former Saints head coach Sean Payton to the Dolphins this past offseason, but that fell through with the turbulence created from the Brian Flores lawsuit. Brady retired for 41 days last offseason, but ultimately returned to Tampa Bay.

There could be interest next year from the 49ers, his favorite team growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, or another team. Brady is eager to play the 49ers in San Francisco on Sunday afternoon.

But Brady has expressed a desire to stay on the East Coast where his children live. That could mean staying in Tampa Bay to play with some of the teammates he really enjoys playing with, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and center Ryan Jensen.

Brady Could Return To The Bucs For One More Season

During a tumultuous 2022 season, Brady was recently divorced from his wife Gisele Bündchen and the injury-ravaged Bucs have gotten off to a disappointing 6-6 start, although the team is still atop the NFC South.

There are plenty of other reasons for Brady to stay with the Bucs, including his close relationship with owner Joel Glazer and general manager Jason Licht.

Wherever Brady plays in 2023 – if he does – it will likely be for a new offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay or elsewhere. There is a good chance that the Bucs will replace offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich if the offensive does not improve. Tampa Bay’s offense averaged nearly 30 points per game over the last two years, but are only averaging 18.1 points per game this season, which ranks 27th in the NFL.

The other option Brady has is to retire and possibly pursue a broadcasting career with Fox. He signed a 10-year, $375 million deal to be an NFL analyst with the network.