ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 05: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

A surprise team has emerged as a destination for Tom Brady, with the legendary quarterback about to become a free agent on the back of Tampa Bay’s playoff exit. And a return to the Buccaneers is thought to be unlikely.

The Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets have all been listed as possible landing spots for the 45-year-old QB. But, now, the Minnesota Vikings are being mentioned.

Tom Brady walking off after game vs. Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field after losing to the Dallas Cowboys 31-14 in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 16, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

According to an unnamed NFL executive, per Kenneth Teape of the NFL Analysis Network, the Vikings are being considered a dark horse outfit to snag Brady.

“Improving on that side of the ball will certainly help their long-term outlook, but a former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes a quarterback change is what would put them over the top,” Teape writes. “The executive suggested Minnesota as a dark horse landing spot for free agent, Tom Brady.”

The Vikings Would Have Their Work Cut Out For Them

The exec noted that the Raiders, Dolphins, and 49ers are the frontrunners but pointed out that Brock Purdy’s breakout might leave the latter uninterested. The Vikings, on the other hand, could be looking to replace Kirk Cousins.

“I know the Raiders and Dolphins are the two most talked about. The 49ers are another possible destination, but they have Brock Purdy now,” the exec was quoted as saying. “Watch out for the Vikings. Replacing Kirk Cousins with Brady would make them an actual legitimate threat to win the Super Bowl.”

Cousins has another season left on his deal with the Vikings, which does include a no-trade clause. Should Minnesota’s management force themselves into the race for Brady, it could be a very complicated affair.