Tom Brady retired, but not everyone has accepted that decision.
While discussing the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation on The Colin Cowherd Podcast (h/t 49ers Webzone), NFL columnist Michael Silver said the 49ers should check to see if Brady would consider returning for the second straight year.
“I think, if you’re the Niners, you ask Brady again,” Silver said. “I think you let the dust settle for a while. It just makes too much sense now.”
Doctors postponed surgery on Brock Purdy’s UCL because of inflammation in his elbow. The delay could push back his recovery into training camp, and perhaps later.
Trey Lance is also recovering from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in September.
Silver reasoned that Brady would be a “perfect” fit to spend one season with his hometown team before returning to their younger quarterbacks in 2024. That might have been the case before the seven-time Super Bowl champion declared he’s retired “for good” during the postseason.
Purdy got injured in the NFC Championship Game, so Brady knew of this possibility before walking away. It seems unlikely he would have retired again if he still hoped to play for San Francisco in 2023.
Silver said the 49ers could also call about Aaron Rodgers, but they’re more likely to seek a veteran “hedge” option like Jacoby Brissett, Andy Dalton, or Matt Ryan.