Tom Brady had a disappointing 2022 season, but he largely remained an effective quarterback. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted to re-sign Brady in free agency, while he also had been linked with the Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans and others.

The decision for Brady to retire appears to be due to his desire to be close to his family. Brady's children now primarily live in Miami and playing for another team likely would have meant being on the other side of the country.

"This is a family thing, not a football thing," said Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.