Tom Brady to take time after season before committing to return to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022, sources say

5:00 AM

The possibility of Tom Brady's retirement is something that is still being considered by the organization as they enter the reality that their season is at most three weeks from its conclusion.

The star quarterback remains non-committal about playing beyond this season, according to sources. Although Brady could decide to play again, it is currently far from a given, according to sources.

The topic of Brady's departure has come up within the organization for weeks now, and there has been internal wonder about what the future holds for the seven-time Super Bowl champion and all-time NFL passing leader.

Brady plans to take time after the season ends to assess how he feels physically and mentally, as well as gauge his family's desires, according to sources.

This is the same as any aging veteran after a season. The thought of retirement has become more realistic with Brady still on his contract.

Part of Brady's decision is likely to be situational; how the season ends for the Bolts, and how he feels when the season is over. It's believed that if the Super Bowl repeats, it will increase the likelihood that Brady will walk away from the game.

Brady isn't naive to the questions he'll face, but he also wants nothing to distract him from his day-to-day pursuit of another Super Bowl title.

The marriage couldn't be going any better for Brady and his wife from the team's perspective, according to sources. When the season is over, the coaches and executives of the Buccaneers plan to convey to Brady their desire to keep moving forward with him.

If Brady decides to continue playing, the Bucs would be willing to bend over backwards to get him to do so.

Sources said that Brady feels like he owes it to the organization that doesn't have a clear quarterback succession plan to return in 2022. Brady plans to enter the off-season wide open about his future as the season nears its end.

The backup quarterbacks for the Tampa Bay are a journeyman and a second-round draft pick.

The head coaches of the other three teams that entered the playoffs in the same division are all older than Brady.

Those close to Brady and those with the team are trying to enjoy and appreciate each game he plays as they realize that any one of these games could be his last.

Brady led the league with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes despite missing several games with injuries and suspensions.