Tom Brady remains noncommittal about playing beyond the current season. While Brady has talked about playing until he's 45 and possibly beyond, it is far from a given.

Brady's departure is a topic that quietly has come up within the Tampa Bay organization for weeks now.

Brady plans to take a month or longer to assess how he feels physically and mentally while also gauging the desires of his family.

The thoughts of retirement have been stronger for Brady this year.

Some sources believe that if the Buccaneers repeat as Super Bowl champions, it would increase the likelihood that Brady could walk away from the game.