Watch: Stephen A. Smith says 'it’s time' for Buccaneers' Tom Brady to retire

Outspoken ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith didn't dance around the issue when discussing the future of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady on Monday. 

As shared by Brandon Contes of Awful Announcing, Smith explained during Monday's edition of "First Take" why he believes "it's time" for Brady to ride off into the sunset of retirement following Sunday's 34-23 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. 

"Just so we don’t look at you any different," Smith said of the signal-caller he referred to as "the G.O.A.T." on Monday morning. "I don’t believe we’ll ever see the best of Tom Brady again." 

Smith offered his take after the Buccaneers blew a 17-point lead against Cincinnati and after Brady completed 30-of-44 passes for 312 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. 

As mentioned by the RotoWire Staff, Brady was also credited with two lost fumbles in the defeat that dropped first-place Tampa Bay to 6-8. 

Smith then referenced the fact that Brady can become the lead NFL analyst for Fox perhaps as soon this winter via a 10-year deal reportedly worth $375M.

"If I looked you in the face, and I said, 'the best that you ever were, will never be again, but over here, I got a job for you where you still stay involved in the game and it’s gonna pay you $37.5M per year,' what would you do?" Smith remarked.