Why did Tom Brady leave the Patriots? We’ve gotten so used to Brady’s association with the Patriots that it was difficult to imagine him in any other jersey. His decision to join the Buccaneers left fans and pundits alike with burning questions. So, read on to find out why.
Why Did Tom Brady Leave the Patriots
It’s not just another day in the world of football when Tom Brady graces the Super Bowl stage. We’ve grown accustomed to his presence in this grand event, but what truly surprises us is that he’s now representing a team other than the New England Patriots.
The news dropped on March 20, as Brady made the bold announcement of signing a lucrative two-year, $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After an illustrious 20-year journey and six Super Bowl triumphs with the Patriots, his unexpected shift to Tampa Bay reverberated through the sports world, even though rumors of change had been circulating for months.
For two decades, the names Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were intertwined with the Patriots’ unrivaled success. Brady, the quarterback plucked from obscurity as the No. 199 pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, was nurtured and molded by the Patriots.
Belichick, the strategic mastermind, arrived on the scene months before Brady’s arrival, and together, they forged an indomitable football dynasty.
Yet, somewhere along the path to greatness, the once-unbreakable bond between these two titans began to wear off.
It was this fracture that ultimately paved the way for Brady’s departure and his subsequent landing in Tampa Bay. There were several reasons and one of them had to do with Tom Brady’s contract.
Brady Wanted a Long-term Contract
The Patriots and Brady reached a point at which a crucial decision must be made, primarily due to their inability to find common ground on a multi-year contract that would have allowed Brady to gracefully retire as a lifelong Patriot.
Throughout their illustrious journey, the Patriots flourished on the foundation of a dynasty, thanks in no small part to Brady’s unwavering commitment to team success over personal gain.
Reports from Business Insider indicate that Brady willingly left a staggering $60 million on the table, enabling the Patriots to bolster their roster and compete relentlessly for Super Bowl glory.
A comprehensive account of Brady’s contract history with the Patriots, meticulously documented by NBC Sports, paints a vivid picture of his selfless devotion.
Brady had made his aspirations abundantly clear—he yearned to continue playing well into his forties and ultimately hang up his cleats as a revered Patriot.
However, the team’s lead, Belichick, not only occupied the revered role of head coach but also wielded substantial influence as the decision-maker within the front office.
To Belichick, Brady was just another player, and he exhibited caution when considering a golden parachute-style contract as the star quarterback’s performance began to exhibit slight signs of decline.
Belichick was determined to maintain the Patriots’ financial flexibility, ensuring the ability to construct championship-caliber rosters across every level of the depth chart.
As the 2019 season drew to a close, the Patriots reportedly declined to offer Brady the contract he sought, instead presenting him with a seemingly fleeting one-year deal that primarily compensated him through a generous signing bonus.
Thus, for the first time in his career, Brady chose to explore free agency once the season concluded, should an extension fail to materialize through negotiations with the Patriots.
Brady Didn’t Feel Appreciated By the Patriots
A lack of appreciation and conflict brought the relationship between Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and Robert Kraft to a breaking point.
Brady felt disappointed when the blame for the Deflategate scandal fell on him, despite his loyalty during the previous Spygate scandal. Tensions also arose over Brady’s business ventures and his support for the TB12 Sports enterprise.
As the 2019 season unfolded, Brady’s performance declined, raising doubts about his future. However, a new opportunity emerged for him with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under the guidance of Bruce Arians.
Brady experienced a revitalization, evident in his improved statistics during the 2020 season. Following much speculation, Brady officially announced his departure from the New England Patriots and joined the Buccaneers in early 2020.
His decision was motivated by a desire for a healthier work environment and the chance to win. As Super Bowl LV approaches, Brady stands on the cusp of achieving success with his new team, surpassing expectations and once again demonstrating his immense talent.
Final Thoughts
In a stunning twist of fate, Tom Brady’s journey from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has captivated the football world.
The once unbreakable bond between Brady and the Patriots was broken, leading to his audacious departure and subsequent Super Bowl appearance with a new team. This remarkable chapter in football history challenges our perceptions of loyalty and legacy.
As fans and pundits continue to dissect the motivations behind this unprecedented move, one thing remains clear: Tom Brady’s relentless pursuit of greatness knows no bounds. His legacy is forever altered, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he has elevated to new heights.