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One day down, folks. The news came in hot and heavy all day long. DeAndre Hopkins was traded for David Johnson (I know...insanity), DeForest Buckner shipped to Indianapolis for a first round pick, and a lot of linemen found new homes.
One thing that’s still pretty much the same as yesterday, though? Waiting on Tom Brady’s decision to start the quarterback dominoes. Multiple reports have said the Buccaneers made a big pitch to Brady and that the Patriots and Chargers are still involved as well.
On top of that, the markets for Teddy Bridgewater and Jameis Winston hinge on Brady’s decision so once Brady decides, the rest of the quarterback deals won’t be far behind.
After re-signing Jason Pierre-Paul and franchise tagging Shaquil Barrett, the Bucs top focus is quarterback but have also been linked to running back Melvin Gordon so that is something to keep an eye on.
Follow the latest news and rumors here (most recent appearing at the top) and discuss in the comments below!
The Cowboys have agreed to terms with defensive lineman Gerald McCoy on a three-year deal, according to a source. Like all these deals, it’s pending a physical. McCoy started every game last season for Carolina after a nine-year run with Tampa Bay. He... https://t.co/ydMR3wPmzv
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) March 18, 2020
To be clear: Former #Patriots QB Tom Brady has an agreement in principle to join the #Bucs, source said. It is believed to be roughly $30M per year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
The #Bucs have stayed silent all day publicly, but internally they’ve been confident. Just the opposite for the #Chargers. With @JimTrotter_NFL breaking that LAC was out, the designation was clear. Brady expected to stay on the East Coast.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
With the #Chargers out of the running, the #Bucs offer to QB Tom Brady is believed to be roughly $30M per year. They are the only known team to make an offer. Tampa Bay has been confident all day and for good reason. As we wait Tom Brady’s officials announcement, all eyes on TB.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Tampa is the expected landing spot for Tom Brady barring anything unforeseen, sources tell me and @JeffDarlington.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
There's no signing date or announcement officially set up, but Brady is expected to be a Buccaneer.
Newest Raider is DE Carl Nassib . . . has come to terms
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) March 17, 2020
OK guys. Just heard from two well placed sources through text/calls & I trust these people:
— Tom Krasniqi (@TKras) March 17, 2020
"It's done. Brady to the #Bucs."
Confidence is HIGH. Announcement could happen within the next 24 hours.
The Chargers made a serious run at Brady, but, barring a change of heart by the quarterback, the team believes it is out of the running for him.
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) March 17, 2020
I’ve been saying for two days I believe the Chargers are the best fit for Brady - and I still believe that. But I’m told the Brady camp has led the Chargers to believe he is going to stay back East because of family considerations. #StayTuned
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) March 17, 2020
Just to update: Tom Brady and Bucs is not a done deal yet. Could very well end up happening, and could even be announced Wednesday. But right now, any reports that it's done are premature, I'm told. Just stay tuned.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 17, 2020
From my source: the @Buccaneers will announce their deal with @TomBrady tomorrow. The deal is done.
— Dale Arnold (@DaleEArnold) March 17, 2020
I would not anticipate a decision from Tom Brady today. But I do expect one this week. And let me emphasize: He absolutely has a decision to make. His market is quietly very competitive, but not some crazy bidding war. Far more about finding a fit he likes rather than chasing $.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 17, 2020
"I was told that Tom Brady signs tomorrow with Tampa Bay."
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) March 17, 2020
️@ColinCowherd
LISTEN LIVE: https://t.co/iAQa8hPEJC pic.twitter.com/IFCFnzIdB6
Just talked to a Chargers source: They have heard "nothing" from the Brady camp about a decision.
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) March 17, 2020
Heard within the last couple minutes some within the #Chargers building are still waiting to hear too, per source. https://t.co/rVth9niXhy
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 17, 2020
Bucs' GM Jason Licht acknowledged there is interest in free-agent QB Tom Brady, the two sides spoke Monday, but there has been no conversation today and there is no deal in place. "We're waiting to see what Tom decides just like everybody else," Licht said.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
"If I was @TomBrady I'd go to Dallas, but I got a text this morning that he's headed to Tampa Bay. It is NOT a football source. It is a celebrity source" - @ColinCowherd #NFLFreeAgency #Brady
— 95.3 WDAE (@953WDAE) March 17, 2020
The Panthers and Teddy Bridgewater are negotiating a 3-year contract in the $60 million range, per source. The deal is not done as they work out details but it is expected to be complete when new league year opens Wednesday.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 17, 2020
Colin hearing Brady to Bucs (per an iconic source)@TheHerd
— Greg Toohey (@gregtoohey) March 17, 2020
Colts are finalizing a deal with Philip Rivers and the Panthers are closing in on Teddy Bridgewater
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 17, 2020
Louis Riddick at ESPN says he thinks he would go with Tom Brady to the Bucs, mostly because of Bruce Arians and his relationship with elite QBs like Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Mentioned the obvious offensive weapons.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 17, 2020
The #GoBucs still are keeping close communication with Jameis Winston. Very close. All for now.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 17, 2020
Been asked a lot about this: Yes, this is real. #GoBucs believe they can make a very compelling case for Tom Brady to choose Tampa Bay. They don’t know what he will do. If he goes somewhere else, they would move on to Teddy Bridgwater next if possible.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 17, 2020
Checking in with agent for potential free agents to re-sign, was told Bucs "are knee deep in QBs, check back Thursday." So seems like quarterback is the first priority right now. https://t.co/bCzMYg1lNp
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 17, 2020
The Carolina Panthers are showing very strong interest in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater per sources. I’m told the conversations have been going very well. #panthers
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) March 17, 2020
Big news: Based on the previous discussions between the #Panthers organization and Cam Newton’s agents, it has been agreed upon to allow Cam and his agency team to seek a trade. Other details to follow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
Multiple teams remain in pursuit of Tom Brady and an announcement on his new team is “not likely” to come today, per source. The #Bucs and #Chargers remain in the mix. Sounds like the plan now is for Brady to go dark on everyone until he makes his decision.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2020
4 factors to consider when thinking about Brady’s next spot: A collaborative coach, a well-built roster even if not perceived as a clear Super Bowl favorite, good weather and favorable proximity to NYC for personal reasons. But don’t use any of those to cross teams off the list.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) March 17, 2020
Despite today’s proclamation that he would not be returning to New England, Tom Brady has not made a decision on where he will play next season and he will be exploring his options, per a league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2020
The #Bucs made a strong offer to QB Tom Brady believed to be $30M or more. The #Chargers did, as well. And now, he’s leaving New England.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2020
The Bucs are definitely still in the running for Teddy Bridgewater, I hear
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 16, 2020
"He will come in and make a QB room better."@RapSheet on a possible deal for Marcus Mariota in Las Vegas pic.twitter.com/RUf6KX21Vg
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 17, 2020
Until Brady makes a decision, or at least reduced his options, there may not be much movement. https://t.co/50S2jFlbju
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 17, 2020