Rex Ryan revealed a dark horse in the Tom Brady sweepstakes.
During “NFL Countdown” on ESPN, the former Jets coach, who currently serves as an ESPN NFL analyst, explained why he could see the Buccaneers quarterback taking his talents to the Commanders in 2023.
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Brady, who turns 46 in August, is a free agent for the second time in his career — and has to decide whether to return for a 24th season or retire for good.
As the Buccaneers quarterback contemplates his playing future, he’s been linked to a number of teams, including the Raiders, Dolphins, Titans, 49ers and now the Commanders.
Washington’s future at quarterback is in question. They were eliminated from playoff contention for the second straight year and have no franchise quarterback heading into an off-season that could come with an ownership change.
Washington’s quarterback carousel saw Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke and rookie Sam Howell all start this past season.
Wentz — who the Colts traded to the Commanders in the off-season — suffered a broken right ring finger, and the team surged with Heinicke under center.
The 30-year-old Wentz has two years left on his contract with no guaranteed money. Heinicke, 29, is a free agent.
Prior to Ryan’s comments, former All-Pro wideout Larry Fitzgerald — who co-hosts Brady’s Sirius XM “Let’s Go” podcast — said he likes the Raiders as a potential free agent destination for Brady.
“I think Tom has a lot of football left in him,” Fitzgerald said. “Obviously this year did not go any way, the way he expected it to go. But I think Tom, in the right situation, you know, revitalise on the personal and professional level, could still play at a really high level, I like the raiders.”
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On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Dolphins will not pursue Brady, and that they are committed to Tua Tagovailoa as their starter in 2023.
The Dolphins were fined $1.5 million in August for tampering with Brady on multiple occasions. Miami had reportedly planned to pursue Brady in a pairing with Payton.
This article first appeared on The New York Post and was reproduced with permission.
