Former New England Patriot's QB Tom Brady is headed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yes, people saw it coming as a possibility... but I don't think anyone really pictured it as a reality (or happening so soon). Brady shocked the sports world early in the morning on March 17th when he went on social media and essentially said it was over between him and New England (for the time being). But then when it was announced Brady will probably finalize a deal to become a Buc for over 30 million a year was a stunner to his die-hard fans.
Brady being arguably one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game as well as a staple to New England sports fans for the last 20 years, his news certainly hit people hard. However, this move to the Bucs will not be a bad move for him at all (at least in terms of fantasy). He's got probably the best WR duo in the NFL with WRs Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to work with as well three very talented TE in Gronk, Cameron Brates, and OJ Howard. Both Godwin and Evans managed over 1,150 receiving yards and 8 or more TDs last season on the Bucs where Mike Evans had 67 receptions; 1,157 receiving yards; 8 TDs & Chris Godwin had 86 receptions; 1,333 receiving yards; & 9TDs in 2019. Not to mention the fact that although weaker than New England, the Bucs have a solid backfield as well (all they really need to do is make sure their guys hold onto the ball... cough cough Ronald Jones).
In terms of Brady's fantasy value for next season, I would say he will be a top 5 QB in both PPR and standard leagues.
I think the Bucs brought in Brady to pass the ball.. a lot. Even though he won't necessarily be throwing a lot of long balls like Winston did, I think he'll get some decent yardage in next season with a lot of quick passes. I also think he will be throwing more TDs than last year too because I do not think the Bucs fully trust their RBs enough. Also, I think the Bucs are going to be looking to get the ball to their playmakers (their receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Gronk, and hopefully OJ Howard). For these reasons, I see Brady throwing 4,400 yards, 36 TDs and 9 INTs. Fantasy wise for the Bucs receivers, I see them doing about the same as last season. This is because I see the team placing a higher trust with Brady due to his impressive resume with the Patriots and like I stated before, I think Brady will want to pass the ball more this season. Due to this speculation, I see both Evan's and Godwin's TDs, and receptions improving next year. Specifically I think Godwin will have 105 receptions; 1,300 receiving yards, and 12 TDs while Mike Evans will have 95 receptions; 1,150 receiving yards, and 10 TDs. As for their TE, OJ Howard, his value will slightly drop with the addition of Gronk, hopefully though with a more accurate and experienced QB at play, I see Howard with 35 receptions, 400 yards, and 3 TD this season. As for Gronk I think he'll have 50 rec, 600 yards and 5 TDs.
Overall, I see Brady as a more than capable fantasy starter this year as well as Godwin and Evans being quality WR1s or high-end WR2s for fantasy. I see OJ Howard as a top 25 TE, and ground could finish in the top 10 for TEs.
Other QB news to follow:
Over the last few days, several free agent Quarterbacks(QBs) have found new homes in the NFL. Some of the major Quarterback changes (besides Brady to the Bucs) includes:
-Phillip Rivers to the Colts
-Teddy Bridgewater to the Panthers
-Marcus Mariota to the Raiders
Tom Brady 2020 stat Prediction:
4,400 yards, 36 TDs and 9 INTs