Rumors that Tom Brady almost ended up with the San Francisco 49ers have been confirmed. The quarterback held discussions with the team in February of 2020 as a replacement for Jimmy Garoppolo. However, the Niners ultimately decided against Brady and stuck with Jimmy G, partly because he still had three years remaining on his contract at the time. The other reason is because, according to San Fran, Brady was only “marginally better” than Garoppolo. That last reason is, at best, highly questionable, with Brady continuing to rack up the Super Bowl rings as he made his debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady Not Good Enough to be a 49er

Brady is 15 years older than Garoppolo, which was also a factor in the 49ers’ decision. A book coming from ESPN’s Seth Wickersham spills all the details about what transpired when it became evident that Brady was leaving the New England Patriots, including the assertion from the team that he was only a slightly better QB than Garoppolo.

It wasn’t just a move for Brady; he wanted to be with the team. During the negotiations, according to Wickersham, Brady had around 20 requirements he expected, but an outrageous salary wasn’t one of them. He only wanted $50 million across a two-year contract.

Now that Brady is about to break the NFL’s all-time record for passing yards this Sunday when he meets his old teammates on the field, San Fran might be regretting its decision.

Brady Already Setting Records

Brady is set to break the NFL record for passing yards, currently held by former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, this Sunday when he takes on the Pats. It should be an easy goal to reach, but he’s already breaking records this season. Unfortunately, they aren’t records he wants to hold.

Last Sunday, Brady was sacked three times as the Bucs met the LA Rams. He has now been sacked 527 times in his career, breaking the previous record of 525 (Brett Favre held that record). Of course, being on the gridiron for 20 years – and being an NFL GOAT – makes you a big target.

Brady might not hold the record for very long. Ben Roethlisberger has been sacked 524 times in his career and, if he’s taken down four times this Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Green Bay Packers, he will break Brady’s record. Of course, Brady could easily take it back on Sunday night, and there’s a good chance the Pats will be gunning for him every chance they get.

Bucs Vs. Pats Odds

This Sunday marks a monumental game for Brady. He returns to his old stomping grounds at Gillette Stadium to face the only other team he has known for his entire NFL career. The Pats are gearing up for this bittersweet reunion and, if there’s anyone capable of stopping Brady, it’s Bill Belichick. The head coach knows Brady like his own son, but Brady also knows the Pats inside and out.

The Bucs might have to play without tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is listed as questionable because of his rib injury from the NFL last week. However, the Pats defense is having difficulty and will have a harder time against Brady. Pats QB Mac Jones has been inconsistent this year, further pushing down New England’s chances of a victory. Jones threw three interceptions last Sunday in the Pats’ loss to the Saints, and it’s easy to imagine a lopsided game this Sunday.

The Bucs are the clear favorite at -320, which offers no benefit to bettors. Taking the 7.5 (-102) spread is good for a unit or a unit and a half, especially since the Bucs are 5-0 against the spread in regular season action since last season. The Over/Under is at 49.5, but backing the Under (-108), knowing that the score will almost reach the target, is the best option.