Whether Las Vegas Raiders fans like it or not, the Tom Brady talk just won’t go away—this time thanks to Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby. Plus, is new starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo “one and done” after this season?
Yes, talking about Brady probably nauseates Raider Nation by now. However, the fact is, that’s not changing anytime soon, especially if Garoppolo isn’t good to go. On top of that, it’s likely that Brady will be a partial owner. While it’s not official pending a league vote, it would surely take a foreseen set of circumstances for Brady not to get his way. If that happens, the Raiders and Brady will be tied at the hip for years to come. In other words, get used to it. That’s especially true if Brady ends up being more than just a figurehead but rather someone active in decision-making.
What if Tom Brady suits up one more time for the Raiders?
Ownership chatter aside, Brady suiting up one more time (this time for the Raiders) is conjecture that just won’t die. Crosby, for his part, helped fuel that speculation just a smidge recently. While talking with Von Miller on his show (Voncast), Crosby mentioned that the notion of Brady playing for the Silver and Black wouldn’t be a shocking development for him.
“Obviously, we’ve got Jimmy G. He’s coming back, and he’s going to be healthy. But you never know what’s going to happen. Tom Brady is a competitor. At the absolute worst, if everything doesn’t go the way it’s supposed to and we need him, I would not be surprised if Tom Brady shows up in a Raiders jersey.”
Maxx Crosby was likely just having fun—he, much like the rest of the Raiders, is counting on Garoppolo to suit up when it counts. Still, there’s still time between now and training camp, and more importantly, there’s plenty of time left between camp and Week 1 as well. Anything can happen, yes, but is Brady a realistic backup plan?
Speaking of Jimmy Garoppolo, will it be “one and done”?
Let’s face it, we’re in the midst of rumor mill season, and with OTAs coming to an end this week and still a ways to go before training camp, we’re going to hear some wild theories. However, given what’s transpired with Garoppolo recently, there’s one theory that’s not too far-fetched.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox not long ago mentioned that Garoppolo might not be back for 2024.
“Garoppolo is a placeholder, and the 2023 season will leave the Raiders looking for a more permanent solution next offseason. If that turns out to be a rookie, the veteran may stick around for one more season—but it’s worth noting that Las Vegas can release him next year and save $13 million off the 2024 cap.”
Knox isn’t too far off base. If the Raiders’ coaching staff believes rookie Aidan O’Connell could be the answer after this season, Garoppolo becomes an expensive commodity. Or, let’s say the season doesn’t go well. Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler then finds himself picking in the top 10 next April for the NFL Draft. Why keep “Jimmy G?” These are all questions that will be answered soon enough. That being said, it’s the time of year when folks begin drawing up questions and possibilities.
*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images
