Patriots' Robert Kraft: Tom Brady Joining Bucs Ended 'Greatest Cycle' in NFL History

Tom Brady's departure from the New England Patriots in 2020 was an emotional one for the organization, the fans and team owner Robert Kraft.

Brady opting to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 years in New England sent shockwaves around the NFL, and Kraft knew his longtime quarterback's decision to move on would immediately change the trajectory of the Patriots franchise.

"'I thought, 'Wow, the greatest cycle in the history of the NFL is ending,'" Kraft said of Brady's exit during the latest episode of the Apple TV+ documentary The Dynasty: New England Patriots, according to TMZ Sports.

The Patriots selected Brady in the sixth round of the 2000 draft out of Michigan and the rest, as they say, is history.

Brady, who according to Kraft said "the best decision the organization has ever made" was drafting him at No. 199, went on to lead New England to 17 AFC East titles, nine AFC championships and six Super Bowl titles during his tenure.

The 46-year-old also earned three MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVPs, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, 14 Pro Bowl selections and three First Team All-Pro nods with the Patriots.

Brady, Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick put together the type of dynastic run that may never be seen again in NFL history—Unless Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs continue on their current path.

In his first season with the Buccaneers, Brady led the franchise to its first Super Bowl title since 2003.

During the 2021 campaign, Tampa Bay finished with a 13-4 record and reached the divisional round before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. The franchise went 8-9 in 2022 and fell to the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card.

Brady announced his retirement from the NFL after the 2022 campaign and he was honored by the Patriots last season.

In that span, the Patriots made the playoffs just once, which came in 2021 when they finished 10-7 and fell to the Buffalo Bills in the wild card. New England has also posted a losing record in three of the last four seasons, hitting rock bottom at 4-13 in 2023.

The Patriots now own the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft and are expected to use that selection on a quarterback. USC's Caleb Williams is likely to come off the board at No. 1, but UNC's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels could be available at No. 3.

If the Patriots do select a quarterback, all of New England will be hoping that player can help return the franchise to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.