Contrary to what happens in MLB and the NBA, marquee free agents that can change a franchise do not typically come available in the NFL. That is especially true at quarterback, as provisions such as the franchise tag make it very difficult for an elite signal-caller to reach the open market. Tom Brady was an exception to that commonality last offseason when he decided to leave the New England Patriots after two decades for reasons that are still not set in stone to this day. On a tease for an upcoming episode of The Shop, Brady is heard speaking dismissively about a quarterback whose team elected to keep him instead of pursue the at-the-time six-time champion.
The mystery around whom Brady is referring to in the clip has become fodder for internet sleuths trying to unearth which of the other 30 teams it could have been. Longtime Brady advocate Colin Cowherd said on The Herd on Tuesday he firmly believes it is Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky. The ex-Tar Hell was on the Chicago Bears at the time, who were still presumably trying to see what they had the former No. 2 overall pick before each side cut ties this offseason.
“It’s Mitch Trubisky,” Cowherd said. “(Brady) really considered three teams: Tampa, the Chargers, and Chicago.”
Cowherd eliminated the Colts and Chargers as neither had an incumbent to speak of, as well as the Saints, Titans, Raiders, and 49ers for various other reasons. Trubisky had arguably his best season with the Bears in a 2020 playoff run, but even then, his numbers did not stack up to one of the unquestioned all-time greats in Brady.
“What Tom is saying now as the GOAT to a now backup is a reasonable thing to say,” Cowherd said. “It is Trubisky. That’s the answer, and it’s the truth.”
Will we ever find out the real answer? If so, it will be on Friday night, when the newest episode of The Shop debuts on HBO.