The coronavirus has impacted nearly every in-season sport in North America.
From MLB to the NBA and NHL (not to mention Major League Soccer and NCAA sports), nearly everybody in professional sports has decided to halt activities in recent days.
The National Football League, however, has yet to be impacted. League representatives have said they will not alter or postpone offseason activities. Still, there are those who believe COVID-19 will impact free agency.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk said on Thursday he believes coronavirus could play a role in Tom Brady's decision if it ends up playing a role in limiting offseason activities:
Article Continues Below“I’m telling you, a new factor in all of this that Tom Brady may not have even realized yet but I think he will: the extent to which coronavirus potentially impacts and limits the offseason training program,” Florio said Thursday on “ProFootballTalk Live.”
“That may make leaving the Patriots less attractive because it will minimize his opportunities to get himself ready with a new team. We haven’t seen him at OTAs much in recent years, but he knows that system like the back of his hand. Going to a new place, I think there’s gonna be a premium on getting yourself properly ensconced with the coaching staff, with your teammates, with the city, with the facility, with everything. And if we see that shrunken in any way, shape or form, that becomes a factor for Tom Brady.”
Of course, this would throw a whole new wrench in Brady's plans. Especially if he originally felt a certain desire to leave the New England Patriots and sign with another team.
The six-time Super Bowl champion is the belle of the ball in this year's free agency class. And multiple teams figure to send offers his way when free agency opens on Monday.
But, if the coronavirus intervenes, perhaps it would make Brady's decision to leave New England less appealing.