Tom Brady’s updated free agency timeline: How we got here
Tom Brady is slated to hit unrestricted free agency on March 18. Here’s how the New England Patriots’ quarterback reached this point.
Tom Brady as a free agent? Somehow, in a week’s time, that’s reality.
Brady, who has spent the first 20 years of his storied career with the Patriots is ready to test the market. Here’s how we got to this juncture.
Aug. 4, 2019 – Brady signs a two-year extension with the Patriots
A day after turning 42 years old, Brady inked a deal paying him $23 million for the upcoming season. It was originally believed to keep him in New England through the 2021 season. However,
Aug, 5, 2019 – Brady’s deal has new details emerge
The two-year extension isn’t actually an extension. The structure essentially added money to his 2019 campaign and made the other years voided, meaning Brady was set for free agency in the spring of 2020.
It’s also reported Brady has language in his contract stating New England can’t use the franchise tag on him to retain his services. The wheels are set in motion.
Sept, 7, 2019 – The Patriots sign Antonio Brown after ugly flameout with Raiders
New England enhances its position as Super Bowl favorite. The Patriots sign Antonio Brown to a one-year deal, pairing him with Josh Gordon on the perimeter and Julian Edelman in the slot. Brady allows Brown to stay with him as the receiver gets acclimated.
Sept. 8, 2019 – Patriots wallop Steelers in Week 1 win on SNF
In front of a national audience, Brady and the Pats look invincible in a 33-3 win. Brady throws for 341 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
Sept. 20, 2019 – Patriots release Antonio Brown
Only 13 days into their marriage, New England divorces itself from Brown amid myriad allegations of ugly behavior. Despite this, Brady continually shows affection for Brown on social media in the coming weeks and months.
Oct. 21, 2019 – ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Brady may leave New England
During the Week 7 Monday Night Football telecast for the Patriots and New York Jets, Schefter drops a bombshell. The respected reporter says Brady could leave New England after the season, stating the 42-year-old is “setting it up to move on.”
New England is the decided favorite to win Super Bowl LIV at this time, running its record to 7-0 with a 33-0 beating of the Jets.
Oct. 22, 2019 – New England lands Mohamed Sanu
Despite being undefeated, the offense is lackluster without Brown. The Patriots make a bold move, trading a 2020 second-round choice for Atlanta Falcons receiver Mohamed Sanu. Sanu never gets going, notching 26 catches for 207 yards and one touchdown.
Oct. 27, 2019 – Reports state Josh Gordon getting released by Patriots
Having secured Sanu, the Patriots decide to place receiver Josh Gordon on Injured Reserve with the intent of releasing him days later. In six games, Gordon has 20 catches for 287 yards.
Nov, 3, 2019 – New England suffers emphatic loss to Ravens
This is where the season turns. After beating up on the league’s bottom-feeders for two months, the Patriots go to Baltimore for a Sunday Night Football showdown with the Ravens. New England is overwhelmed and outclassed.
Dec. 29, 2019 – Brady and the Pats lose their bye week
In Week 17, the Patriots need only to beat the lowly Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium to earn the No. 2 seed. Incredibly, Brady throws a pick-six early, and Ryan Fitzpatrick throws a touchdown late to pull the upset. Coupled with a Kansas City Chiefs win, New England drops to the third seed and has to play on Wild Card weekend for the first time in nine years.
Jan. 4, 2020 – Patriots get eliminated by the Titans
New England is favored to beat the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card round. However, the Patriots can only muster 13 points in a 21-13 defeat. Much like he did the second half of the regular season, Brady looks out of sorts without weapons. It’s an ugly end to the year.
Jan. 30, 2020 – Brady puts out cryptic photo on social media
Using his massive Instagram account, Brady publishes a photo of his shadowy figure either walking in, or out, of Gillette Stadium’s tunnel. It causes a huge stir for days, with nobody knowing its intent.
Feb. 2, 2020 – The Hulu commercial
We all learn the photo was a gimmick to promote his Super Bowl ad with Hulu. Carry on.
March 4, 2020 – Brady, Belichick have meeting to some extent
The two sides reportedly met, although the date is never agreed upon. The Boston Herald states it was a negative encounter, while Schefter reports it as “business as usual.”
March 16, 2010 – Brady can begin meeting with other clubs
The Patriots suddenly have competition, as the NFL’s tampering period opens at 4 p.m. ET. It has long been rumored myriad teams are in the mix, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants and others.
We will continue to update this timeline as details emerge on the Tom Brady free agency extravaganza.