5 possible landing spots for Tom Brady in 2020

1. New England Patriots

Realistically, it feels like it’s retirement or playing for the Patriots next year for the G.O.A.T. The first of those options also feels unlikely, barring a real and sudden change in his heart to play as long as he possibly can. And despite Bill Belichick’s typical cold demeanor toward players, it’s hard to imagine there isn’t a soft spot somewhere for Brady with all the success they’ve had together. For every rule, which has seen Belichick part with Lawyer Milloy, Richard Seymour, Randy Moss and others before they became less useful or were just done, there is an exception. If Brady is not going to be that exception, no one ever will be.

Brady may, when it comes down to it, have no desire to play anywhere else. His exit has a chance to be a cleaner one than most legends enjoy, with a contract voiding/expiring, but allowing Brady to leave would surely alienate legions of Patriots’ fans (if not all of them).

Brady and the Patriots are as synonymous as America and apple pie, or any other cliche about an ideal pairing that can be offered. A continuation of the relationship for years going forward is the most likely scenario, but it’s still fun to speculate about where else Brady could play next season and those options will be out there if he wants to entertain them.