Tom Brady may be retired from the NFL, but his influence is still shaping teams – especially the one he now helps run.
As a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, Brady reportedly intervened in the team’s offseason quarterback strategy, vetoing a potential move for Sam Darnold before the franchise pivoted to veteran Geno Smith.
Darnold, fresh off a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, entered free agency with considerable momentum.
The 28-year-old passed for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing over 66 percent of his throws.
Despite those numbers, Minnesota chose to commit to rookie J.J. McCarthy, leaving Darnold to explore the market – ultimately landing a $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks.
But according to Michael Silver of The Athletic, Darnold could have ended up in Las Vegas if not for Brady.
“While some believed the Las Vegas Raiders would try to sign Darnold, minority owner Tom Brady – a seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback whose opinion held great sway – was not in favor of that approach,” Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the team’s internal discussions.
Raiders turn to Geno Smith as Brady helps reshape the roster
Instead of pursuing Darnold, the Raiders made a bold move of their own-acquiring former Seahawks Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith in a major trade. It was one of several major offseason moves following another disappointing season in Las Vegas.
With Brady now helping guide the team’s direction, the Raiders brought in longtime Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek to lead the rebuild. They also added standout rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and cleared the depth chart by cutting Gardner Minshew II. Aidan O’Connell, a fourth-round pick in 2023 who saw action in nine games last season, is expected to back up Smith.
Now armed with a new coaching staff and a proven veteran quarterback, Brady’s revamped Raiders are poised to compete in 2025. The pieces are in place for Las Vegas to end its losing streak and return to playoff contention.
And if Geno Smith delivers under center, Brady’s decision to pass on Darnold might go down as another one of his signature winning reads.
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