Let’s catch up on the Las Vegas Raiders‘ week of talks and developments—including a new general manager and the latest on owner Mark Davis.
As we all know, Ben Johnson didn’t work out for the Silver and Black. So, whether you believe the Las Vegas media misled you or the Raiders were never in it, it’s over. Johnson is in Chicago and with that, the “top” head coaching prospect chose a team not named the Raiders. However, this does not imply that the organization can sit back; you move onto the next prospect and opening.
Luckily for Raider Nation, there was a positive development following Johnson’s decision. On Wednesday, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek agreed in principle to take over after the dismissed Tom Telesco. So, the head coach slot remains open but now, at least the first chess move by minority owner Tom Brady has been executed.
For those not too familiar with Spytek, he’s moved up the organizational structure of the Buccaneers since 2016—director of player personnel, vice president of player personnel, and then assistant GM. Prior to that, Spytek’s roots lie in scouting, where he’s held multiple positions with various organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Denver Broncos.
Where is Raiders owner Mark Davis amid all the developments?
Over the past few years, Raiders fans have grown accustomed to seeing Davis at the forefront during the offseason. With the arrival of Reggie McKenzie, Jon Gruden’s return, Josh McDaniels, and Dave Ziegler, Davis was at the forefront when all of that developed. However, as Vic Tafur of The Athletic noted this week, Davis has been relatively quiet. Tafur said that while Brady is “assisting” with all the offseason hiring, it’s becoming obvious to those on the outside that this is becoming the “Brady Show.”
Mark Davis has been fluid (and quiet) throughout this Brady-assisted process. Hire Ben Johnson first (and a GM he knew) or hire a GM first (Spytek) and then look at coaching candidates again. It was a package deal either way. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) January 23, 2025
Interestingly enough, even folks on the “Pat McAfee Show” alluded to as much this week.
Our source(s) are telling us that Tom Brady is running things for the Raiders in Las Vegas #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3MRoG6sSPP
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 22, 2025
Speaking of running things, with Spytek now on board, a vision for the NFL draft will likely begin to take shape. CBS Sports, for their part, recently presented an intriguing scenario involving the Raiders.
Will John Spytek trade for Shedeur Sanders?
CBS’s Chris Trapasso recently presented his latest NFL mock draft, and he expects Spytek, Brady, and Co. to make a splash—a major splash in the form of trading up for the No. 1 overall pick.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of the Raiders—and new minority owner Tom Brady—making an aggressive push to draft Shedeur Sanders. There’s a chance Sanders’ connection with Brady will make it too dicey for Las Vegas to simply hope and wait for him to fall to No. 6 overall.”
Most Raiders fans are acutely aware of the dire need for an upgrade at the quarterback position. No offense to Aidan O’Connell but if he’s the plan in terms of your starting quarterback, something has gone horribly wrong. Luckily for the Raiders, the free agency period could provide some help but if we’re talking long-term, the draft is where it’s at. Whether you’re a fan of Sanders or not, there’s some of Brady in him. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the two have a relationship worth noting.
If Brady does indeed feel that Sanders could take his team to another level, they’ll make a trade. Well, at least Raider Nation hopes so.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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