NFL Rumors: Ex-Patriot Believes Tom Brady 'Got Fed Up' Of Bill Belichick

Former Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel thinks Tom Brady simply got tired of the system in New England. Having also played for Bill Belichick in the past, Samuel said he understands why the three-time NFL MVP decided to leave the Pats to play for Tampa Bay starting next season.

"He probably just got fed up with it at the end of the day," Samuel said in an interview with TMZ Sports.

Samuel was drafted by New England in the 2003 NFL draft and played there for five seasons where he had a first-hand experience of Belichick having the whip hand on the team.

But while he recognizes that his stint under the legendary coach has done him good, the 39-year-old also admits playing for New England also meant the absence of fun.

"It worked out for me, man. It made me a better man, but it's not something I enjoyed," Samuel added.

"(Brady) probably just got tired of it," Samuel continued. "He probably got tired of some inner-circle things that he wanted. Maybe, he wanted receivers and tight ends to stay there with him and maybe Bill tried to trade them. Who knows what happened?" he continued.

Brady announced his transfer to Florida to join the Buccaneers in March, ending his 20-year run in New England. Regarded as the biggest steal in NFL Draft history, Brady went on to win six Super Bowl championships and four Super Bowl MVPs.

“I’m starting a new football journey and thankful for the (Buccaneers) for giving me an opportunity to do what I love to do,” Brady wrote in his announcement.

Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht, who used to be part of New England’s scouting staff when Brady was drafted late in 2000, expressed his excitement on his reunion with the football great.

"Tom is a proven champion who has achieved greatness on the field because he demands the best out of himself and his teammates," said Licht, per the Buccaneers' official site. "I've known Tom since we drafted him in New England 20 years ago and through this process, it became very clear that his desire to be a champion burns as strong today as it ever has. He possesses the type of rare natural leadership qualities that will immediately impact our entire organization."

Arguably the greatest player of all time, Brady is also a 14-time Pro-Bowler and a two-time Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year. During the course of his two-decade run with the Patriots, the 42-year-old registered 541 touchdown passes and about 75,000 passing yards.