Report: Buccaneers willing to give Brady control over roster
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't expected to limit their efforts to land the biggest free agent of the offseason: Tom Brady.
"(The Buccaneers) would love to have Tom Brady," ESPN's Dianna Russini said on "Get Up!" on Tuesday, citing a conversation with team representatives. "They are willing to give Tom Brady the things he needs, he wants. And some of those things that Brady wants: Control over the roster; he wants to be part of the playbook, or at least making decisions on the play-calling."
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times also believes the Buccaneers will go all-in on the New England Patriots signal-caller.
Jameis Winston has led Tampa Bay's offense since the franchise selected him first overall in 2015. But Winston, who's thrown for an average of 4,386 yards and 27 touchdowns against 20 interceptions per 16 games over the course of his career, is also set to hit free agency this offseason.
Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said in February the team would bring Winston back for the 2020 season unless a superior free-agent quarterback emerged.
Tampa Bay checks what might be one of the most important boxes for Brady in free agency: The club boasts one of the NFL's best wide receiver duos. Mike Evans topped 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth straight season in 2019, while Chris Godwin led the team in receptions (86), yards (1,333), and touchdowns (nine).
The Buccaneers averaged 28.6 points per game in 2019, the third-best mark in the league.
Brady, 42, threw for 4,057 yards and 24 touchdowns while tossing eight interceptions last season.