Could Bucs QB Brady and Payton Team Up In New Orleans?

Will Tom Brady retire after a much harder-than-expected 2022 Bucs season? Or will Brady come back to play one more year in Tampa Bay?

Or could Brady return for a 24th season in the NFL, but opt to play elsewhere at age 46?

Last December Brady listened to a plan that was hatched by Dolphins minority owner Bruce Beal to attempt to lure former Saints head coach Sean Payton and the greatest quarterback of all time to Miami. That plan fell apart early in the offseason when former head coach Brian Flores filed a wrongful termination lawsuit, and a league investigation resulted in Miami getting fined $1.5 million and the owner getting suspended for tampering.

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

Brady retired for 40 days and then un-retired to rejoin the Bucs prior to the start of free agency. Payton retired for the 2022 season, turning the Saints over to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The Saints have had an even more disappointing season than the 7-8 Bucs and are 6-9 this year. Todd Bowles’ Bucs swept the Saints for the first time since the Jon Gruden era 14 years ago.

Payton, who has been working for Fox Sports as an NFL commentator this year, is strongly considering returning to coaching in 2023, and he’s been linked to multiple teams. There have been rumors that Payton could be interested in the Los Angeles Chargers if the team decides to fire Brandon Staley, but that may be unlikely with them making the playoffs. Payton, an offensive mastermind, wants to go to a team that has a great quarterback, and the Chargers fit the bill due to rising star Justin Herbert.

There is also some speculation that Miami would like to revisit the potential Payton-Brady connection once again, especially since Brady will be a free agent in 2023. The 8-7 Dolphins have lost four straight after an 8-3 start that seemingly had the team on course for the playoffs under new head coach Mike McDaniels.

That could have McDaniels on the hot seat, especially if the Saints decide they want to trade Payton for draft picks. Any trade that happens would likely occur to an AFC team. The Dolphins were declined permission to speak with Payton earlier in the year. Perhaps that changes this offseason.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a former first-round pick, is dealing with yet another concussion this week, and there is some concern about his health and long-term future in the NFL due to multiple head injuries this season. That could lead the Dolphins to want to move on and find another quarterback next year.

Dallas has also been long rumored to be interested in Payton where he could coach Dak Prescott. But with Dallas at 11-4, including a recent win over Philadelphia, Mike McCarthy’s job seems safe – unless the Cowboys lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Payton Would Love To Coach Bucs QB Brady

Former Saints HC Sean Payton – Photo by: USA Today

There’s little doubt that Payton, who recently appeared on Brady’s “Let’s Go!” Podcast, would love to have the chance to coach Brady, who is a future Hall of Famer.

But what if Payton returned to New Orleans after a one-year hiatus? Would Brady be tempted to jump to a division rival to play for Payton? That’s a rumor that is being floated by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

“Brady is a free agent after the season,” Florio said. “He can go anywhere. Why not the Saints? Why not team up with Payton? Why not play his home games in the stadium where he won his first Super Bowl?”

Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas appeared to be in favor of the rumor coming true. New Orleans has struggled with Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton and Taysom Hill all taking turns at quarterback this year.

But Brady leaving the Bucs for the Saints likely won’t happen.

Brady is a very loyal person and wouldn’t want to jump ship to a division rival. The Bucs, particularly owner Joel Glazer and general manager Jason Licht, have been very good to Brady since his arrival in 2020 and orchestrated several personnel moves that the legendary quarterback wanted to see happen.

Brady wouldn’t want to betray their trust in him and their friendship. Nor would he want to turn his back on his Bucs teammates and play against them twice a year in 2023.

If Brady decides to play in 2023 and it’s not in Tampa Bay, it won’t be in New Orleans – or for any NFC South rival for that matter.