Jason Licht: Tom Brady contract extension “a possibility”

Leading up to Super Bowl LV, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady was asked about the potential of playing past the age of 45—an age he had previously mentioned when discussing how much football he had left in him.

Brady, who turns 44 in August, said he would “definitely consider” continuing his career past his age-45 season. That’s certainly not hard to imagine, as the seven-time Super Bow champion keeps himself in immaculate shape and hasn’t appeared to lose much as the years have gone on.

But for his age-45 season and potentially beyond, will Brady stick around in Tampa Bay?

In an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Bucs general manager Jason Licht was asked about extending Brady’s contract, which as of now is set to expire after the 2021 season. Licht didn’t give much away other than saying “it’s a possibility” and that he talks with his quarterback “often.”

In his response, Licht mentioned that Brady didn’t appear to slow down at all in 2020. And considering that the former New England Patriot threw for 4,633 yards and 40 touchdowns in the regular season before leading Tampa Bay on a historic playoff run that culminated in the franchise’s second Super Bowl win, it’s safe to say that Licht is right about that.

Brady did seem to enjoy playing in Tampa this past season and has talked about how much he loves his teammates, the coaching staff and the organization (as well as the warm weather). So, if he’s going to continue playing past 2021 as expected, why shouldn’t it be in red, white and pewter?

Licht said he would keep his contract talks with Brady “under wraps,” so we may not hear much more about an extension until it’s about to happen. But why shouldn’t it? Keeping TB12 in TB feels like a no-brainer for an organization that has seen its relevancy and success reach new heights in the year since the future Hall of Famer was signed.