Bucs GM Confirms Tom Brady Contract Talks: We're Waiting Just Like Everyone Else

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht confirmed the team is interested in free-agent quarterback Tom Brady and that the two parties spoke Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"We're waiting to see what Tom decides just like everybody else," Licht said, per Schefter.

NFL Network's Michael Silver reported the Los Angeles Chargers have heard "nothing" from Brady's representatives about his final decision.

The future Hall of Famer announced Tuesday he doesn't intend to re-sign with the New England Patriots.

Brady's departure from New England doesn't come as a huge surprise, though it will be odd to see him in a different uniform in 2020. Schefter reported Sunday all of the signs pointed to the 14-time Pro Bowler leaving the Patriots.

ESPN's Dianna Russini reported last week on Get Up, however, the list of teams seriously pursuing Brady was somewhat limited. The Buccaneers were among those strongly interested in his services.

The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud echoed the sentiment and wrote, "The franchise that has not reached the postseason in 12 years will do almost anything to land the quarterback who has been to the playoffs for 11 straight seasons and won six Super Bowls."

The Buccaneers confirmed they placed the franchise tag on linebacker Shaquil Barrett, which meant quarterback Jameis Winston was hitting the open market. Regarding Winston, Stroud also wrote that "it's no secret" head coach Bruce Arians was looking to make a change under center.

Arians has built a reputation for developing young signal-callers, but it appears the 67-year-old wants to find an experienced replacement for Winston rather than turning toward the draft. 

A short-term stopgap would make sense. Tampa Bay hasn't reached the playoffs since 2007, but the team might be a quarterback away from title contention. The Bucs ranked fifth in defensive efficiency in 2019, per Football Outsiders, and boast a pair of Pro Bowl receivers, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

Of course, losing out on Brady could leave Arians and Licht in a tough position since they've banked so much on landing the 42-year-old this offseason.