New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady has not yet committed to playing in 2018, ESPN reports.
Though the five-time Super Bowl winner has not told the team publicly or privately about his plans for the fall, some people close to Brady believe he will be back on the field, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Brady has been in the NFL for 18 seasons and will be 41 by the time next season begins.
Brady was not at the Patriots offseason programs, and isn’t expected to take part in the voluntary workouts, though it’s important to note he missed parts of offseason training each year from 2008 to 2010.
Brady also was not present for the start of New England’s offseason program, and he’s not expected to take part much, if at all. It’s not the first time he has missed part of the offseason program; it also happened in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Brady’s tone in the final episode of Tom v. Time was definitely different than it has been in the past. Continuing to play no longer seemed like a foregone conclusion. https://t.co/mkdZRyhbkw
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 18, 2018
Other than Brady, the only quarterback on the Patriots roster is Brian Hoyer.
This development could determine New England’s draft strategy. They currently possess two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The Patriots could be more inclined to look for the heir to their throne during the draft. There have been links between them and University of Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.
If Tom Brady does, in fact, retire, trading away Jimmy Garoppolo could be viewed as a grave mistake.
Brady is not the only Patriots player who is contemplating retirement. Star tight end and oft-injured Rob Gronkowski has also not committed to playing 2018.
