Everyone is waiting for Tom Brady to make his signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers official, but there seems to be a bump in the road. While it's been reported that he'll join the Buccaneers, the COVID-19 outbreak is preventing a physical for Brady.
On Wednesday night, Adam Schefter of ESPN tweeted that Brady and the Buccaneers are still finalizing some contract language that could continue into Thursday. Even though there is a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place, what could be the catch?
Unlike previous offseasons, the coronavirus is making it a bit more difficult for teams to complete deals with free agents. The NFL sent out a memo on Monday, informing them of the procedures they must go through to complete physicals. As Ian Rapoport of NFL Network pointed out, Brady's contract with Tampa Bay isn't the only one being held up by a physical.
Makes sense. Lot of free agents whose deals are done in limbo because of physicals. https://t.co/Pv8rg3BuEC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
In the league's memo pertaining to physicals, it states that the exam must be completed by a local physician. However, the NFL clearly states that a player can refuse to go through with the physical if they choose.
Despite not having any health concerns that we know of, Brady seems to be hesitant about taking a physical. Brady is someone that has made a concerted effort to take remarkable care of his body over the years.
Therefore, it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's being cautious amid the coronavirus pandemic. While it still appears likely he'll eventually sign with the Buccaneers, fans may want to wait to celebrate until it's official.
