When he was in the league, Tom Brady played with his fair share of elite receiving talents. Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski and Mike Evans headline that list, but a career spanning over 20 years brought him into contact with some unique personalities.
One thing all those players and teams had in common was the ability to win. Brady proved that all the way through NFL years, especially in his final chapters with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Now most remember the exceptional moments with Evans and Chris Godwin and rightfully so. But multiple times in his career Brady campaigned to have the infamous Antonio Brown on his squad.
This happened briefly in his time with the New England Patriots then again with the Bucs when they won a Super Bowl. Nonetheless, Brady has seen multiple sides of the league's wide receiver spectrum.
Pittsburgh Steelers' star receiver George Pickens has demonstrated both the extremes of his on-field personality. Pickens can go from a stubborn bull ready to pick a fight in one moment to making a ridiculous one-handed toe-tapping grab the very next play.
That dichotomy has helped him build his star, but also makes him a controversial figure. His expiring rookie contract only adds to that intrigue.
This week, Pickens sparked flames from the NFL audience, posting a cryptic black-and-white photo of himself next to the former Bucs' quarterback. With no discussions currently in place for an extension, his choice opened the door for rampant speculation.
Could Pickens be asking for a trade to Brady's Las Vegas Raiders or is he simply demonstrating admiration for one of the league's legends. That is up for the viewer to decide.
While those dramatics may have Bucs fans calling back to that time in their franchise's history, it is easy to fall back on the reality that their receiving room is more than secure.
Related: Ex Buccaneers Coach Rumored to Join Big 12 Staff
Godwin recently signed a three-year $60 million contract to stay in town through the next few years and keep the tandem of himself and Evans in tact.
Though he missed most of the 2024 season with an injury, Tampa Bay's hope is to have both back together flanked alongside Baker Mayfield, making up one of the league's most consistent receiving pairs.
Brady got to enjoy that pleasure during his years with the Bucs, and likely hopes to form something similar out in Las Vegas.
Related: Gronk Makes Perfectly Clear March Madness Wager
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 8:06 PM.