It was exactly one year ago that the majority of the football world thought it was a lock that Tom Brady would be joining his childhood team, the San Francisco 49ers.
Obviously, a win-now team loaded from top-to-bottom, Kyle Shanahan’s Niners seemed like the perfect destination for Brady.
Shockingly, he decided to retire … At the time, some people thought his decision meant that San Francisco never showed legitimate interest in signing him.
However, we recently learned that was the farthest thing from the truth … In fact, both Shanahan and Brock Purdy have confirmed that the 49ers plan was to bring Brady home and make him the starting quarterback.
Peter King of NBC Sports asked Shanahan point blank about it for his Football Morning in America column…
“I’m glad you asked me that question … Yes, I was serious about it,” Shanahan told King about his intentions to sign the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
Kyle Shanahan tells @peterking that he tried to recruit Tom Brady to the 49ers before this season – and openly communicated it to Brock Purdy.
Fascinating!https://t.co/Z1paXOLzx1 pic.twitter.com/oya49Vt8RK
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) February 5, 2024
Shanahan explained that the decision was influenced by uncertainty regarding Purdy’s readiness for this season due to the elbow injury he suffered in last year’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
“As we talked, I’m looking at Brock, and he’s got his arm in a sling, and I really am not sure I’ve got a quarterback who’s going to be ready for the start of the 2023 season … That started all of this,” Shanahan said.
I think he said Tom said no to coming for a year. So Tom must have made up his mind for realsy if he didn't say yes to a SB quality team. IDK if we're in the SB with brady anyway. Brock had to make alot of throws in traffic and alot of scrambles with their pass OL this year…
— Peasant Gamer (@Botiemaster) February 5, 2024
Despite confirming the interest in Brady, Shanahan did not delve into why the 49ers ultimately did not sign him. Brady, when asked the same question last week, provided a non-committal response.
Attempting to frame the decision positively, Shanahan emphasized that it was meant to give Purdy a significant compliment.
“I actually thought it was giving Brock the biggest compliment. I let him know he’s our guy long-term. No question. And if Tom Brady wanted to come here and start for one year, that’s the only way you’re not starting when you’re healthy this year. That’s pretty cool,” Shanahan explained.
He further justified the consideration, saying: “But I’ve got to think about the team. What if he’s not ready in September?”
What the hell for ??
— Robert Williams (@robert88427) February 5, 2024
What are your thoughts on Shanahan’s plan to (temporarily) replace Purdy with Brady?
Would San Francisco be in the Super Bowl had they had Brady at the helm instead of Brock?
As far as Sunday goes, will Purdy and the Niners win the Super Bowl???
“Brock Purdy has done a great job and I know he's got a chip on his shoulder..”
“I have so much respect for the #49ers organization and Kyle Shanahan.”
Tom Brady on Brock Purdy Via @PatMcAfeeShow 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/EvXejOdpCT
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) January 30, 2024