Those rumors about a top NFL powerhouse looking to add Tom Brady to their roster last year? It turns out they were, in fact, more than rumors.
Before announcing his (actual) retirement from football on Feb. 1 of last year, there were rumors about Brady possibly signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency. And if Kyle Shanahan and company got their way, it would have become a reality.
While speaking to NBC Sports’ Peter King for the latter’s “Football Morning in America” column, Shanahan admitted that he was “serious about” wanting to land Brady before the legendary quarterback retired:
“Yes, I was serious about it. As we talked, I’m looking at Brock, and he’s got his arm in a sling, and I really am not sure I’ve got a quarterback who’s going to be ready for the start of the 2023 season. That started all of this.”
Purdy suffered a torn UCL in the 2022 NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and it wasn’t immediately clear when he’d return to action. Backup Trey Lance (traded to the Dallas Cowboys back in August), was also recovering from a season-ending ankle injury, so the 49ers had plenty of question marks at the game’s most important position.
Brady grew up cheering for the 49ers, and it was widely reported that he hoped to sign with them in 2020 free agency.
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The 49ers, of course, opted to stick with Jimmy Garoppolo. Brady wound up signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl 55 championship in his first season with the organization.
And with Purdy stepping up and leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl 58 appearance, it’s safe to say that things have worked out well for all parties.
