Tom Brady rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

4. Los Angeles Chargers

The rest of Brady’s top fits are in the AFC, which makes sense since he has an intimate familiarity with the conference from all his years in New England. Several AFC contenders do need a quarterback, with the Los Angeles Chargers right near the top of the list.

The Chargers have been helmed by Philip Rivers for years, but the veteran quarterback suffered through his worst season in 2019, throwing 23 touchdowns against 20 interceptions. Rivers is a free agent and likely won’t be back in Los Angeles, with his decision to move his family out of California an indication Rivers knows which way the wind is blowing.

While the Chargers desperately need a quarterback, they also need to find a way to matter in the Los Angeles market. The team has done poorly in terms of fan support, with their home games in Carson often morphing into road games when the opposing team’s fans swarm the building.

One thing that draws attention in Los Angeles is star power, and there may not be a bigger infusion of star power in the league right now than Brady. There are plenty of Los Angeles connections for Brady, a California native, who could certainly do worse than finishing his career close to home.

The Chargers could offer some strong offensive weapons and the ability to be the face of the franchise, helping the team establish real roots in Los Angeles as they move into SoFi Stadium. That is a new kind of challenge for Brady, who may be looking for new motivations as he aims to meet his stated goal of playing until he is at least 45.