2023 NFL Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Tom Brady, More Top QBs

Will Tom Brady retire, or will he be back for another year in the NFL? That's going to be one of the top storylines to follow for the second consecutive offseason.

Last year, Brady briefly retired, before reversing course and deciding to come back for a 23rd season (and his third with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). It wasn't one of the 45-year-old quarterback's most successful showings, though, as the Bucs went 8-9 in the regular season and then lost their playoff opener vs. the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Round.

Now, Brady will again be contemplating what to do next. The main difference this offseason is that he's set to hit free agency. So, even if he doesn't retire, he may not return to Tampa Bay.

Brady isn't the only QB with an uncertain future. Here's some of the latest buzz on several quarterbacks with expiring contracts, along with predictions for where each will end up.

Brady Expected to Take Time to Contemplate Future

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) shows his frustration as he removes his chin strap while walking to the team bench during an NFL wild-card football game against the ,Dallas Cowboys Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

It doesn't appear Brady is in much of a rush to decide what to do next in his life. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport recently reported that Brady "plans to take his time making a decision on his future."

"According to those close to him, Brady wants to head into his few weeks of decision-making time with an open mind," Rapoport wrote. "He'll attempt to spend time with his children, allow the emotions to hit him and consider his options."

The Buccaneers may be preparing to move on without Brady, though. Several Tampa Bay players told Rapoport they'd be surprised if the future Hall of Famer was back on their team for the 2023 season. That came after Brady's final press conference of the 2022 campaign had a sense of finality, with him thanking the local media for the past few years.

If Brady wants to play, there will be suitors, considering he still passed for 4,694 yards and 25 touchdowns in 17 games this season. And one team that might make a run at signing him could be the Las Vegas Raiders, who "believe they'll be a player" in that competition, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

It makes sense for Brady to consider going to Las Vegas, as the Raiders' head coach is longtime New England Patriots assistant Josh McDaniels. Don't be surprised if Brady reunites with McDaniels to try to make another run at a Super Bowl title.

Prediction: Brady signs with the Raiders

Can Ravens Keep Jackson in Baltimore Long Term?

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Lamar Jackson missed the Baltimore Ravens' final five games of the regular season and their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card Round due to a knee injury. Has the 26-year-old quarterback played his final game in the purple and black?

That's been a popular question to ponder in recent weeks, as it's unclear what Jackson's future may hold. He's been unable to work out a long-term extension with Baltimore, and he's set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

It's unlikely Jackson hits the market, though. Fowler reported that the "expectation around the league" is that the Ravens will use their franchise tag on Jackson. Then, the team can bide some time and again try to get him under contract for the long term.

"I've talked to multiple people inside the organization who do believe that the Ravens as a total organization are sincere in wanting to keep Lamar Jackson, and they want to make that happen," Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter.

Baltimore is best when Jackson is under center, so it makes sense that it wants to keep him around. Even if negotiations haven't been the best to this point, the prediction here is that Jackson won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Prediction: Jackson receives franchise tag, later signs extension with the Ravens

Smith Should Be Back in Seattle Next Season

AP Photo/Josie Lepe

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) walks off the field after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. The 49ers won 41-23. (AP Photo/Josie Lepe)

Over Geno Smith's first eight NFL seasons, he started only 34 games. And 29 of those came during his first two years in the league when he was getting an opportunity to be the starter for the New York Jets.

Smith didn't get many chances after that, especially during the 2020 and 2021 campaigns, when he served as the backup to Russell Wilson in Seattle. But after the Seahawks traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos last offseason, Smith ascended to the top spot on the team's QB depth chart.

It worked out well for Smith, too. The 32-year-old threw for 4,282 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading the league in completion percentage (69.8) over 17 games. He also guided the Seahawks to the playoffs, as they reached the postseason as an NFC wild card.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Seattle wants Smith (who is about to become an unrestricted free agent) to return. According to Rapoport, the Seahawks plan on trying to work out a new deal for Smith, and if they're unsuccessful, they're prepared to use their franchise tag if necessary.

Don't expect it to come to that, though. Smith and Seattle should work something out, and he'll be back to provide veteran leadership for the franchise again in 2023.

Prediction: Smith re-signs with the Seahawks