Even as the NFL playoffs wind down with Championship Sunday setting the scene for Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2, Tom Brady's highly anticipated offseason decision is already making headlines.
Since the Patriots' 2019 season ended with Jan. 4's 20-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card Round, New England and the 42-year-old quarterback have a major choice on the horizon.
Set to hit free agency after he completed his 20th year in the league -- all with the Patriots -- Brady's potential departure from New England could land him outside the AFC East for the 2020 campaign.
Making an appearance Sunday on his weekly radio interview with Westwood One, Brady said that he would remain open to all possibilities -- including the scenario of the six-time Super Bowl champ playing elsewhere.
"I'm open-minded about the process," Brady said, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "At the same time, I love playing football and I want to continue to play and do a great job. I'm looking forward to what's ahead. Whatever the future may bring, I'll embrace it with open arms."
Brady added that he has spent his past two weeks "decompressing from the season" and spending time with family.
The free agency negotiating window kicks off March 16 and runs through March 18, setting the stage for March 19's 4 p.m. ET mark where players can officially sign with teams.
Although teams can issue the franchise tag on players starting March 10 at 4 p.m. ET, Brady's contract is structured so that he cannot receive one, providing flexibility for him and the Patriots with a new collective bargaining agreement coming soon.