KEY POINTS

  • Tom Brady will have options this NFL offseason
  • Pats owner Robert Kraft hopes Brady returns for New England next season
  • Brady could become a coach and quarterback for other NFL teams

Heading into their AFC Wildcard playoff game, Tom Brady of the New England Patriots was once again the center of attention. But unlike previous years, it was more of NFL fans wanting to see if there was anything left in his tank.

Unfortunately, the Patriots lost to the Tennessee Titans and in what CNN called a "pedestrian night" for the 42-year-old quarterback. He threw for only 209 yards and failed to get a touchdown. Brady will become a free agent this offseason and most are eager to see what the future holds for the six-time Super Bowl champion.

It was an unusual sight for Brady and the Pats. A team that has been used to reaching the last dance could only look at the Titans whooping it up. It was the Patriots' first post-season loss heading into a Super Bowl since 2015.

As mentioned in a previous post, the Titans were slight favorites to win over the Patriots, 24.3-24.1, in favor of Tennessee. Most felts the Pats had enough to twist the odds but the Titans would not be denied. Now, New England needs to regroup where several key figures may (or may not) be returning. That would include Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.

Brady will have options for this NFL offseason. He can opt to return to the Patriots or see which other teams could use a veteran quarterback like him. With the amount of experience he has, critics feel he would be a good coach as well. Could he be a coach and quarterback at the same time? That could happen but only for select teams.

What is sure is that teams with young and rising quarterbacks are likely to pass. The only way for Brady to join them in as a backup and a mentor. Money is not expected to be a problem for Brady although the four-time Super Bowl MVP will not come cheap, Pro Football Talk reported. Some teams that could consider Brady include the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers or the Green Bay Packers, mainly because they have older franchise quarterbacks.

According to a report from USA Today, team owner Robert Kraft remains hopeful that Brady returns for the Pats next NFL season. But the better question is, will he still have the same role or play backup?

The only thing sure is that Brady not yet retiring. Hence, expect him to make a return next NFL season either with New England or a new team.

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady walks off the field after New England's 20-13 NFL playoff loss to Tennessee, what could be the final game of the 42-year-old quarterback's career
Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady walks off the field after New England's 20-13 NFL playoff loss to Tennessee, what could be the final game of the 42-year-old quarterback's career GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Maddie Meyer