Six-time Superbowl winning quarterback Tom Brady is close to signing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing a deal in principle which would see him earn $30million a season in Florida.
The 42-year-old, who was also linked with the Chargers following his decision to call time on his 20-season spell at the Patriots, will be hoping to lead the Buccs into the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
At Tampa Bay the three-time MVP will have two receivers who have enjoyed 1,000-yard seasons in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, with the Buccs having the third best offence in the NFL in 2019.
Brady's expected arrival at the Buccs will see former first-round draft pick Jameis Winston's five-year tenure at the franchise come to an end.
BREAKING: Tom Brady has an agreement in principle to join the Buccaneers. The deal is roughly $30M per year. (via @Rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/sW217u2PvF
— NFL (@NFL) March 17, 2020
Tampa Bay's signing has been met with both respect and fear by other players in the league.
— Chris Long (@JOEL9ONE) March 18, 2020
I am 24 years old... Tom Brady played with the Patriots almost my whole life!!! I was looking forward to playing the 🐐 this regular season😒
— Budda Baker (@buddabaker32) March 17, 2020
Welcome to the NFC Mr. @TomBrady !! We’ve been expecting you. pic.twitter.com/8grnnCnxO9
— DeMarcus Lawrence (@TankLawrence) March 17, 2020
While Patriots coach Bill Belichick has hailed the future hall of famer as the "greatest quarterback of all time":
"Tom was not just a player who bought into our program. He was one of its original creators. Tom lived and perpetuated our culture. On a daily basis, he was a tone setter and a bar raiser.
He didn't just win. He won championships over and over again," Belichick's statement began. "Sometimes in life, it takes some time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom. He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all-time."
