PFT: 'Reason to Believe' Tom Brady Wants to Play for 49ers Despite Bucs Retirement

Despite announcing his retirement last month, there has been speculation Tom Brady could return to the field in 2022. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk believes the quarterback could be headed to the San Francisco 49ers.

"There is reason to believe Trey Lance isn't ready. There is reason to believe the team is ready to move on from Jimmy Garoppolo," Florio said. "There is reason to believe that Brady, who presumably has nothing left to accomplish, would like to chase Super Bowl win No. 8 while playing for the team he grew up following."

Brady still has another season under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, requiring either a trade or release to play for another team. Florio believes Brady's recent appearance at a Manchester United match—a club owned by the Glazer family—could be to appeal to Bucs ownership to let him join a new NFL team.

It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Brady's retirement didn't last, especially after his impressive 2021 season. The 44-year-old led the NFL with 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, finishing second in voting for MVP.

Brady told Jim Gray on the Let's Go! podcast last month that he is "happy" with his retirement decision but added "you never say never" about a comeback.

Mike Giardi of NFL Network also reported people familiar with Brady from the New England Patriots don't believe he will stay retired.

The 49ers could be an exciting landing spot for someone who grew up as a fan of the team. The squad also had the No. 3 defense in the NFL last year in yards allowed and reached the NFC Championship Game, providing a legitimate chance to help Brady win another title.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Garoppolo is "likely" to be traded in March and that there is "significant interest" around the league.

On the other hand, San Francisco traded multiple first-round picks for the rights to draft Lance third overall last offseason. Acquiring Brady would further delay an opportunity for the 21-year-old to see the field.