49ers' Kyle Shanahan 'Was Serious' About Recruiting Tom Brady After Buccaneers Stint

The 49ers were seemingly serious about their pursuit of Tom Brady after his Buccaneers stint had ended after a second retirement.

While the San Francisco 49ers are set to play in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, their path to doing so is quite unique. They were unsure at the quarterback position before the season, and they pursued Tom Brady, who had just retired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second time.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed they were pursuing Brady before the season, but not necessarily to replace starting quarterback Brock Purdy.

“Yes, I was serious about it,” Shanahan said. “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.”

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Brady, who had retired twice, would have had to unretire for a season in this situation, which wasn't something that fans would have put past him. Still, the 49ers would have been in a position, obviously, to compete for a Super Bowl.

“I actually thought it was giving Brock the biggest compliment,” Shanahan said. “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. I wanted to assure him, ‘Don’t worry. You’re our guy. But how cool would it be if Tom Brady would be the quarterback here for one season? How cool would it be for you to learn from him,’" Shanahan said.

Brady is arguably the best player in NFL history, and he would have been able to lead Purdy, who was also a late draft pick, to becoming a more seasoned player to eventually take over the franchise under center.

“I mean, if Brock never got hurt, this wouldn’t have been a consideration at all. I’d never have brought it up. But I’ve got to think about the team. What if he’s not ready in September?” Shanahan continued.

Evidently, the former Buccaneers quarterback and NFL legend remained retired and has since been making a plethora of business moves, one of which will see him in the broadcast booth next season, calling NFL games. 

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