Everyone’s assuming that Tom Brady joining the Las Vegas Raiders is more of an eventuality than a possibility. However, what if it doesn’t pan out?
Ever since quarterback Derek Carr was benched, rumors have been rampant. Due to the New England Patriots’ connection between Brady, Josh McDaniels, and Dave Ziegler, the word is that No. 12 is coming to Sin City. Still, nothing in the NFL is surefire. When Carr signed what turned out to be his final deal with the Raiders, fans swore that the quarterback wasn’t going anywhere. It happens all the time in the NFL. Carr will either be traded or, more likely, he’ll take his services elsewhere as a free agent.
Is it Tom Brady or bust for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023?
As far as Brady goes, the talk among sports media is that he’ll have a new home next season. One instance of such talk is from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, who claims that the Raiders will be “very aggressive” in pursuing Brady once the season is over. Jones adds that Brady isn’t retiring but will opt to finish his career elsewhere. The thing to keep in mind here is that Brady playing in 2023 doesn’t stipulate he’ll be a Raider. Plenty of teams will be in the running for Brady’s services this offseason if that’s the case.
The issue with Las Vegas going all in on Brady is that it is a gamble, no pun intended. Say Brady signs with another team; where does that leave the Raiders? Carr is gone, unless they can mend that bridge (which is highly doubtful). Is Jarrett Stidham the answer? Do the Raiders go with a rookie? The currently listed free agent quarterbacks “to be” are unlikely to move. Does anyone really think Lamar Jackson or Daniel Jones will switch teams? If the Brady sweepstakes fall through, Jimmy Garoppolo is your consolation prize, Raider Nation.
*Top Photo: Jim Davis/Globe StaffÂ
