The difficult start to Tom Brady's tenure as a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders has been exposed in a revealing new report, casting doubt on the franchise's direction. The legendary seven-time Super Bowl champion was approved as a part-owner in October 2024, with principal owner Mark Davis promising Brady would have a 'huge voice' in the team's future.
Coaching and Quarterback Decisions Under Scrutiny
Despite the high-profile arrival, the Raiders' on-field woes have persisted. With a record of 2-10, only the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans have fared worse this NFL season. According to a report in The Athletic, confusion reigns within the organisation, with one figure stating: 'I really don’t know what the plan is. I don’t think anyone knows.'
Expectations were that Brady would help attract top coaching talent, such as Mike Vrabel or Ben Johnson. Instead, the franchise hired 74-year-old Pete Carroll, who has so far failed to reverse the team's fortunes. Furthermore, there was a belief Brady would facilitate a move for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who instead remained with the Los Angeles Rams.
Questionable Moves and Behind-the-Scenes Influence
The report details several contentious decisions linked to Brady's influence. He reportedly dismissed the idea of signing quarterback Sam Darnold, who subsequently joined the Seattle Seahawks and has helped them to a 9-3 record. The Raiders instead committed to Geno Smith on a $75 million deal, with poor results.
It is also claimed Brady 'pushed' for the appointment of Chip Kelly as the NFL's highest-paid offensive coordinator, only for Kelly to be fired last month. Despite reportedly visiting the team facility only a handful of times this season, Brady's voice is said to be heard daily in conversations with Davis, general manager John Spytek, and staff.
A Juggling Act and Growing Speculation
Brady balances his Raiders duties with his $375 million role as a lead analyst for Fox Sports. His primary conduit in Las Vegas is said to be his long-time trainer and business partner, Alex Guerrero. Initial fears around the league that the Brady-Guerrero partnership would spearhead a new era have given way to speculation that head coach Pete Carroll could soon be dismissed, underscoring the ongoing turmoil.
The Raiders' immediate focus is on their next game against the Denver Broncos, but the larger questions about the team's strategic plan and Brady's effectiveness in his executive role remain starkly unanswered.
