Bucs QB Tom Brady Retires; What's It Mean for Falcons?

Arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history has called it a career, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tom Brady officially announced his retirement Wednesday - and may have opened the door for the Atlanta Falcons to take over the NFC South.

Same song, different tune.

For the second consecutive year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has announced his retirement on Feb. 1 - but this time, it's "for good."

Last year, Brady made the decision to hang up the helmet but reversed course the following month, ultimately playing one more season before riding off into the sunset.

This marks the end of arguably the greatest career in NFL history, as Brady, 45, won seven Super Bowl's, three MVP's and was voted to the Pro Bowl 15 times.

Brady's final season was a difficult one, as Tampa Bay went just 8-9 before suffering a blowout loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys in the wildcard. It was the first time in his 23-year career that his team finished below .500.

So, what does all this mean for the Atlanta Falcons?

First and foremost, it gets Brady out of the NFC South and puts significant question marks around the team that's won the division each of the last two years.

Further, it cements the fact that Brady's final game against the Falcons was a loss - a 30-17 defeat in Week 18 when the signal caller left just before halftime. Nonetheless, since Brady started the game, his career record vs. Atlanta now shows a loss after he began 10-0, including a Super Bowl victory as a member of the New England Patriots.

But perhaps most importantly, this swings the door of the NFC South wide open. The Carolina Panthers just hired a new coach and have quarterback questions, while the New Orleans Saints are in the same boat in regard to the latter.

The Falcons also have a decision to make at quarterback, as rookie third-round pick Desmond Ridder, who's 1-0 against Brady, could get the nod - but Atlanta's staff hasn't committed to him yet.

Still, the Falcons have the second-most cap space in the NFL with $56 million and the most players 26 years old or younger league-wide - they're young, talented and have the resources needed to improve.

And now, with the NFC South firmly up for grabs, Atlanta has to feel strongly about where it stands entering the new league year.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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