NEW PLACES THIS SEASON FOR FAMILIAR NFL FACES
TOM BRADY, TAMPA BAY
The six-time Super Bowl champion left New England for more pleasant surroundings under coach Bruce Arians in Florida. Brady, now 43, and in his 21st NFL season, not only brings a lifetime of winning to the Buccaneers, but the kind of leadership (and respect) the franchise needs. He also gets to throw to as good a receiving corps as he's ever had, including wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a familiar face in tight end Rob Gronkowski.
DEANDRE HOPKINS, ARIZONA
D-Hop brings his hops — and they are considerable — to the desert, and will team with Larry Fitzgerald — yep, another All-Decade guy — to catch passes from 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year Kyler Murray. All Hopkins did in Houston before the stunning trade to the Cardinals was make three All-Pro teams and 632 receptions, scoring 54 touchdowns.
CHRIS HARRIS JR., LA CHARGERS
Another All-Decade player from the 2010s, Harris is the epitome of versatility in the secondary. A standout at cornerback on the outside or inside who also has taken snaps as something of a rover. Harris brings stability and leadership to a team in need of both.
CALAIS CAMPBELL, BALTIMORE
One of the premier defensive linemen and game changers on defense of the last decade, Campbell further enhances what should be a dynamic pass rush for the Ravens. One of the league’s most popular players — he won the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2019 — Campbell has an excellent shot for that elusive Super Bowl ring in his 13th pro season.
PHILIP RIVERS, INDIANAPOLIS
After 16 seasons with the Chargers, but only one conference title game appearance, the quarterback with the odd delivery and borderline Hall of Fame numbers lands in Indianapolis. Colts coach Frank Reich worked with Rivers before and is confident the veteran has plenty left, though Rivers comes off a mediocre season.
ROB GRONKOWSKI, TAMPA BAY
Coming off a year’s retirement, Gronk should be mended from the myriad of injuries that slowed him at times during his stint as a Patriot. The All-Decade tight end might not be in his prime and could wind up a third option or less for Brady. That said, the guy is a bruising playmaker who fits perfectly in the Bucs’ offense.