Brady announces he will leave Patriots

Tom Brady is set for a new chapter in his legendary career.

The six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback announced Tuesday that he will not return to the New England Patriots and will instead sign with a new team as a free agent.

In two tweets, Brady thanked the Patriots organization and fans.

"You opened your heart to me, and I opened my heart to you," wrote Brady. "And Pats Nation will always be a part of me. I don't know what my football future holds but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I will always love you and what we have shared - a lifetime full of fun memories."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers have both made offers to Brady believed to be for at least $30 million per season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

While Brady has decided against returning to New England, the quarterback has not decided on his next destination and will be exploring his options, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Because of the extension signed last offseason that contained two void years, the Patriots will carry a $13.5-million dead-money cap hit in 2020, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Brady leaves New England after an unprecedented 20 years of success. The 43-year-old won Super Bowl MVP in four of the Patriots' six championships, took home the NFL MVP award three times (2007, 2010, and 2017), and made the Pro Bowl on 14 occasions.

Taken in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, Brady was one of the driving forces behind the league's greatest-ever dynasty. The Patriots made the playoffs in 17 of the last 19 seasons (one of those two misses was in 2008 after Brady tore his ACL). His 30 postseason wins are an NFL record, and he established himself as the league's all-time leader in playoff touchdown passes, passing yards, and completion percentage.

Bill Belichick and Co. will now have to find a replacement through either the draft or free agency. 2019 fourth-round pick Jarrett Stidham and journeyman Cody Kessler are the only other quarterbacks on the AFC East team's roster.