Tom Brady spent two months away from football and realized he wasn't ready to retire after all.
The quarterback announced on Sunday night that he will return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season for his 23rd year in the NFL.
These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) March 13, 2022
As expected, Super Bowl odds and betting lines involving Tampa Bay were pulled across the board at sportsbooks.
Prior to the news, Tampa Bay was +2200 to win the Super Bowl. They were +125 to win the NFC South.
PointsBet re-opened Tampa Bay at +1000 to win the Super Bowl, behind only the Buffalo Bills (+750), Kansas City Chiefs (+750) and Green Bay Packers (+800).
FanDuel opened the Bucs even shorter at +750, tied with the Packers and behind only the Bills.
Tampa Bay lost 30-27 to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round after beating the Eagles in the Wild Card Round.
The NFC will have a bit of a different look, especially Brady's division. Sean Payton is no longer the coach for the New Orleans Saints, who will also continue its search for Drew Brees' replacement one year after his retirement. The Panthers will seemingly be aggressive in the quarterback market, specifically Deshaun Watson. The Falcons will have to play the season without Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for betting on NFL games.
There was also the trade of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, which will make the 2022 game against Seattle a little easier.
Tampa Bay's schedule isn't out yet, but opponents will include the Rams, Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. as well as division opponents two times each.
