Every year at this time, Tom Brady asks questions about retirement. Playing deep into his 40s, that's to be expected.
Is this time a little different?
According to a source close to Brady, the public chatter about Brady's potential retirement at age 44 is, at least, an issue that should be concerned about and addressed. And no one has taken it down.
Maybe.
Public speculation about Brady's future kicked into high gear last Wednesday, with old friend and teammate Rob Ninkovich on ESPN's "Get Up" considering he wouldn't be surprised if Brady retires.
NFL Network's Willie McGinest — another former Patriots teammate — asked Brady during a one-on-one interview a week ago if the quarterback would now have to set a new goal that he would play until age 45. Getting closer. Brady, who has one year left in the $25.4 million deal, was noncommittal.
"I thought it was a great goal to set then and I still have 45 to aim for," Brady said. "We'll see how it goes. I think I'm pretty much in [unknown] territory."
Often by this point in the season, Brady has said with certainty that he will be back. That hasn't happened yet. Another source close to him said, "Brady is not contemplating his future as he is only thinking about how to win Sunday vs the Rams in the divisional round."
A person close to Brady explained the mindset: At the end of the year, he would put the feelings aside, let them go, then decide whether he wanted to return. One cannot predict what it will be, the source said.
Everyone else has been asked about it.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told The Tampa Bay Times he would be "surprised" if Brady doesn't play next season based on his enthusiasm during practice. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich simply said in his weekly news conference, "Tom is playing at a high level. I'll leave it at that."
To be sure, there has been no drop in his game. Brady led the NFL in 2021 in touchdown passes (43) and passing yards (5,316). Given the insane way she takes care of her body, there's no reason to believe that drop-off is coming anytime soon.
However, given his age and where he is in life — as well as having already won a Super Bowl with a team other than the Patriots — retirement is something he will consider.