There’s a rumor swirling round proper now that might flip this blazing fireplace of an NFL offseason into an inferno. In keeping with New England Sports activities Community’s Dale Arnold, there’s a really actual chance that Tom Brady gained’t spend the 2022 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, however somewhat with one other Florida group a bit additional south.

Have in mind, Arnold was the primary individual to interrupt Tom Brady’s resolution to hitch Tampa Bay two seasons in the past. That has led a number of NFL followers to take the tweet above somewhat critically.

The that means of the tweet was expanded upon throughout a WEEI radio present referred to as Merloni & Fauria. One of many hosts claimed that he texted Arnold and requested for clarification to which Arnold responded that the Bucs and Dolphins are each engaged on a deal proper now, nevertheless it’s nonetheless unclear whether or not or not a deal might be reached.

This comes simply two days after the Dolphins despatched 5 draft picks together with a 2022 first-rounder to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in change for star receiver Tyreek Hill. Maybe that’s the reason Brady has sudden curiosity within the Dolphins, if what Arnold says is true. They now have the most effective vast receiver corps within the league, and Hill would arguably be probably the most explosive receiver Brady has labored with since Randy Moss. Moreover, previous to Brady’s announcement that he can be returning to the Buccaneers in 2022, Miami was a sizzling spot for rumors revolving across the seven-time Tremendous Bowl champ. The Brady household allegedly bought a home on Miami’s unique Indian Creek Island earlier this yr. It could make sense that Brady would need to spend extra time close to his household, and whereas Miami and Tampa aren’t very removed from each other as is, it’s nonetheless a four-and-a-half hour drive.

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians has beforehand expressed an appreciation for Dolphins beginning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After Tua was drafted in 2020, Arians declared Tagovailoa needs to be the Dolphins’ starter if wholesome. Arians went on to check Tua’s state of affairs to his time with Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Ben Roethlisberger. Whereas Arians by no means flat-out stated he appreciated Tagovailoa as a prospect, it’s arduous to think about a state of affairs the place Tagovailoa will not be a part of the commerce for Brady if the rumors of this commerce are true. Throw in the truth that considered one of Tom Brady’s greatest associates, tight finish Rob Gronkowski, has not re-signed with the Buccaneers regardless of Brady popping out of retirement almost two weeks in the past, and also you’ve bought your self a spicy rumor with some actual enamel.

That stated, there are nonetheless a number of holes on this idea. For one, per a report from The Athletic, Brady remains to be actively recruiting free brokers to hitch him in Tampa Bay. Why would he be doing that if he was planning on spending 2022 in Miami? Firstly of March, Arians claimed that it could take 5 first-round picks for any group to amass Brady in a commerce. The Dolphins don’t have that type of capital. Whereas the group does have two first-round picks in 2023, they’ve none this yr and it’s arduous to think about Arians & Co. can be keen to half methods with Brady if they will’t purchase something that helps the Bucs within the quick future.

Lastly, the rumor has since been shot down by different reporters. Jeff Howe of The Athletic has acknowledged that there’s “nothing occurring between Tom Brady and the Dolphins.”

It appears unlikely that the Bucs would decide to provide Brady up contemplating what they’ve been in a position to accomplish in his two years with the group and the way poor the NFC South might be subsequent season. Even with the losses of a number of beginning offensive linemen from final season — Alex Cappa and Ali Marpet — in addition to star receiver Chris Godwin and doubtlessly Gronkowski, the Buccaneers are ready to compete within the weak NFC. That being stated, if Brady needs out of Tampa, it is smart that Miami can be his most well-liked vacation spot. It’s near household and if Brady nonetheless holds any ailing will towards his former head coach Invoice Belichick (very uncertain, however hey, wild hypothesis is my speciality), taking part in for a group in his former group’s division can be a neat, and efficient method of getting again at him.

I doubt these Brady to Miami rumors truly maintain any weight. There are simply too many angles that make no sense. That being stated, it could undoubtedly be the largest sports activities story in America — the third one involving Brady this month.