Tom Brady Is Tampa Bay Buccaneers New Quarterback: Report

TAMPA BAY, FL — Tom Brady will his continue his Hall of Fame career in Tampa Bay, according to multiple reports Tuesday night. The news comes hours after Brady's exit from the New England Patriots, a franchise he led to six Super Bowl championships.

It's unknown when the deal will become official, but ESPN's Adam Schefter was clear: "Tom Brady will play in Tampa."

The Buccaneers were one of the last teams anyone expected when the Brady saga started. Tampa Bay lacks the pedigree and history — despite a Super Bowl championship in 2002 — but Brady will bring instant credibility to a talented team that just missed the playoffs last season.

The next Super Bowl will be in Tampa Bay.

"I want to say thank you for the past 20 years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values," Brady said in a tweet early Tuesday. "You have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for."

Team owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick heaped heartfelt praise onto Brady in statements released by the team:

"How do I possibly sum up the depth of my gratitude to Tom Brady for what he's given us these past 20 years, or the sadness I feel knowing it's ending?" Kraft said. "I love Tom like a son and I always will."

Belichick added: "Sometimes in life, it takes time to pass before truly appreciating something or someone but that has not been the case with Tom. He is a special person and the greatest quarterback of all-time."

Brady, who turns 43 in August, was set to become a free agent Wednesday for the first time in his career.

The parting of ways could be considered something of a mutual decision. All the reporting pointed to the Patriots never making an offer that would have realistically appealed to Brady, indicating the team was ready to move on.

His final two games with the Patriots included the team's epic meltdown against Miami in Week 17 and a stunning first-round playoff exit at home against Tennessee.

Brady is a three-time MVP, the winningest quarterback in league history and second all-time in passing touchdowns, yards and completions. He's known best for is his clutch performances, particularly in the playoffs. He won three Super Bowls by the time he was 27 — and three more after he turned 37. He's a four-time Super Bowl MVP.

Story by Patch Editor Mike Carraggi