When Brady finally became a free agent two years ago, there was wide speculation that there would be many teams vying for his services. However, when teams were allowed to finally talk to free agents, there weren’t many calls for Brady (either due to his age, or teams already investing in a young QB). Other than Tampa, who else pursued him?
It is now two years later, and this might be his last season in the NFL, as his goal was to play until 45.
I believe Brady asked to be traded after the season ended, and gave the Bucs a list of teams he would want to be traded to. However, those teams either didn’t want Brady for just one season, or an agreed upon trade couldn’t be worked out. I think the whole retirement angle, was to save face if another team didn’t try to acquire him.