The Patriots released backup quarterback Bailey Zappe and waived third-string quarterback Malik Cunningham on Tuesday, meaning Mac Jones is the only quarterback on the roster.

Fans instantly began speculating that these roster moves could spark the return of the Patriots’ most famous quarterback in history: Tom Brady.

Brady officially retired after the 2022 season, but he has come out of retirement before. Ahead of the 2022 season, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was set to retire but decided against it. 

Fans are now hopeful that history could repeat itself ahead of the 2023 season.

Coincidentally, Brady will already be at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 10 as the team is set to honor the quarterback before the game. Patriots owner Robert Kraft deemed the game the “Thank You Tom Game.”

It’s more unlikely that Brady would come out of retirement this time arounds as he has a lot more on his plate. He recently became a minority owner of the Raiders, and he’s expected to start his broadcasting career next season with Fox Sports. 

He’s reiterated how serious this retirement is this time, too.

“I’m certain I’m not playing again,” Brady told Sports Illustrated’s Robin Lundberg back in June.

Regardless of these notes, fans still jumped at the opportunity to speculate that Brady could re-join the Patriots’ quarterback room.