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4 Smoke Signals Suggesting Tom Brady Might Want Out of New England

By Jerry Trotta

With each passing week, Tom Brady leaving New England is becoming more and more likely.
With each passing week, Tom Brady leaving New England is becoming more and more likely. / Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

It's fundamentally exhausting to picture an NFL world in which Tom Brady isn't quarterbacking the New England Patriots, but the rumors and innuendo to that effect just won't seem to die off.

As things stand, it's hasn't been ruled out that Brady will leave Foxborough upon the conclusion of the 2019 season, and when you consider some of the variables in play, you might just come to the realization that TB12 himself wants out of New England. Let's highlight a few of them, shall we?

1. He Cannot Be Franchise Tagged

Tom Brady's new contract doesn't permit the Patriots to franchise tag him.
Tom Brady's new contract doesn't permit the Patriots to franchise tag him. / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Brady's deal included an agreement that rendered New England unable to franchise or transition tag him for the 2020 campaign, and reports suggest that No. 12 himself was influential in that element of the deal. The three-time MVP simply wouldn't angle for this move if he wasn't at least considering playing for another team down the line.

2. Loosening His Connections to Boston

Tom Brady and wife Gisele Bundchen listed their Boston mansion on the market for nearly $40 million.
Tom Brady and wife Gisele Bundchen listed their Boston mansion on the market for nearly $40 million. / George Pimentel/Getty Images

Back in August, before the start of the season, Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, put their mansion in Beantown -- a 12,112-square-footer -- up for sale for a whopping $39.5 million. You might say that professional athletes relocating is the norm, but to do so before becoming a free agent is the epitome of sketchy. The celebrity couple could be plotting a change of residence behind the scenes. On top of that, he's stepping down from his role as honorary co-chair of Best Buddies International, which hosts a charity football game and bike ride in the Boston area.

3. The Patriots' Abysmal Offensive Line and Arsenal of Weapons.

Tom Brady getting sacked by the Houston Texans defense.
Tom Brady getting sacked by the Houston Texans defense. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

At 42 years of age, the 14-time Pro Bowler is still more than capable of slinging the pigskin up and down the gridiron. He can only do so, however, with a sturdy pocket and open receivers who can complete a catch. We aren't saying that Brady hasn't misplaced some throws this season, but his o-line and pass catchers certainly aren't doing him any favors. The Patriot run game is non-existent -- largely because of the line -- which has only made things more difficult for Brady through the air. Further, with opponents game-planning to double-tam Julian Edelman, TB12's only remaining reliable option is James White out of the backfield. Philip Dorsett being unable to escape the injury bug has left Brady forced to rely upon rookie wideouts Jakobi Meyers and N'Keal Harry. That's just not a recipe for championship-level success.

4. He Can Become a Free Agent in 2020

Tom Brady will become a free agent after the 2019-2020 season.
Tom Brady will become a free agent after the 2019-2020 season. / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

That's right, folks. Despite signing a two-year extension with the Pats in August, the six-time Super Bowl champion can opt to enter free agency after the current season. His contract saw his 2019 salary increase from $15 million to $23 million, and he is due $30 million and $32 million in 2020 and 2021. His receiving corps hasn't helped the cause, but will the Patriots really be quick to bring back a 42-year-old immobile QB that ranks No. 18 in the NFL in terms of QBR this year? Given their oppressive track record -- look no further than Josh Gordon's exodus last month -- and you'll come to terms with an answer.