2020 NFL free agency: Ex-Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expected to sign with Buccaneers

On Tuesday morning, Tom Brady announced his departure from the New England Patriots after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl wins. And while his new home has not officially been announced just yet — Brady will not enter free agency until the start of the 2020 league year on Wednesday 4 p.m. ET — it seems as if he is headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the two sides have in principle agreed to a contract that will pay Brady around $30 million per year.

Further details are not yet available, but it seems likely that Brady will spend the rest of his legendary career in Florida under head coach Bruce Arians. While it will be interesting to see how Arians adapts his scheme to fit the 42-year-old’s skillset, Brady will have a strong supporting cast to work with: Tampa Bay’s wide receiver group is led by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, while O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate are a solid one-two punch at the tight end spot.

From the Patriots’ perspective, meanwhile, Brady joining the Buccaneers means two things:

1.) They will not face off against their long-time quarterback in 2020 (unless both teams make the Super Bowl): New England does have the team on its regular season schedule in 2021, however — a game that will take place at Gillette Stadium.

2.) Brady’s reported deal will lead to New England receiving a third-round compensatory draft pick in 2021.

For the moment, however, Patriots fans should get used to Brady suiting up in the Buccaneers’ colors next season.