The Las Vegas Raiders aim to turn the franchise’s fortunes around in the upcoming season, but to do so, significant changes were needed to improve their record. This required finding a quarterback who could make a difference, and Tom Brady, a minority co-owner, had a significant influence on this search.
The former NFL legend, who is a seven-time Super Bowl champion, reportedly decided to rule out a player who had a decent season in the NFC.
Tom Brady didn’t want Sam Darnold on the Raiders
As has been discussed throughout this offseason, decisions go through the seven-time Super Bowl winner, especially when it comes to determining the direction the team will take at the quarterback position.
According to Michael Silver of The Athletic, Tom Brady was not in favor of the team investing in Sam Darnold, who was a free agent after his stint with the Minnesota Vikings.
Many fans or some analysts believed the Raiders could take a chance on the former USC QB, who has some NFL experience, but the co-owner refused.
The team won only four games last season with Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder as starters.
“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, according to a source familiar with the franchise’s internal discussions,” Silver wrote.
Ultimately, the team signed Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, a veteran with more experience to lead Pete Carroll‘s offense as head coach, alongside explosive players like Brock Bowers and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
Darnold, meanwhile, signed a three-year contract with Seattle for just over $100 million, after throwing for 4,319 yards and leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record.
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