tom brady
Getty
Mark Davis with Tom Brady.
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently weighing veteran quarterback options to pair with likely No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. Joe Flacco was in the mix, but he decided to re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals.
One name that has been talked about in recent weeks is Tom Brady. He recently participated in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic and dazzled with some highlight throws. This led to speculation that he could potentially still play, despite being 49 years old when the season starts.
As a minority owner of the Raiders, that’s the only team that makes sense for his possible return. It would be very awkward for him to own the Raiders but play for another team.
That would likely only be justifiable if he were to go back to the New England Patriots, but they already have a quarterback. From the Raiders’ perspective, who better to mentor Mendoza than Brady?
However, it’s not going to happen. According to Brady, he has spoken to the NFL, and it doesn’t sound like something they want to even consider.
“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much,” Brady told CNBC. “We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired. Let me just say that, too.”
Doesn’t Make Sense for Brady to Come Back
Brady clearly still loves competing and playing football. If it were up to him, he’d play forever, but that’s not how things work.
In a flag football setting, Brady is going to be good for a long time because he can’t get hit. He’s still got a good arm and is one of the smartest players ever. However, how would his body react to getting hit by a 300-pound defensive lineman at 49? It’s hard to imagine that would go over well.
Perhaps if he could play behind the Denver Broncos offensive line, he’d be able to make it through a season, but the Raiders allowed more sacks than any team last season. He’s in a tough spot because it doesn’t make sense for him to play for a rebuilding Raiders team, but he can’t go play elsewhere. It’s better for him to focus on retirement.
Which Other Vet QB Could Raiders Sign?
Mendoza is the future for the Raiders. They may not want to start him in Week 1, but he’s going to start at some point, especially if the team isn’t winning a lot of games. Regardless, the Raiders only have Aidan O’Connell on the roster right now, so they need to add a veteran quarterback.
Kirk Cousins is the most obvious fit. He’s worked with head coach Klint Kubiak before and knows his system well. He’s also similar stylistically to Mendoza. Now, it remains to be seen if he’s interested in the Raiders.
They could tell him he’s going to start this season, but if things get off to a rocky start, the pressure to get Mendoza on the field will be massive. He might rather go to a team where he won’t be at as much risk of losing his starting job. If the Raiders can’t land him, the chances of Mendoza starting immediately are going to be a lot higher.