The Las Vegas Raiders will pursue Tom Brady in the 2022 offseason, as the team reportedly hopes to trade Derek Carr at some point in the next month. Brady’s contract with the Buccaneers will expire at the end of this season, allowing the 45-year-old quarterback to consider multiple options for the 2023 season and beyond.
Since Brady came back from his very brief retirement last offseason, he has not addressed his future much with reporters, instead assuming a short-term mindset as he finishes his final season with the Bucs. But reports suggest that several teams have inquired about signing Brady to a new deal, which could extend his career for multiple seasons. Along with the Raiders, the Titans and 49ers are both rumored to be interested.
The Raiders are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season in which Carr, the team’s current quarterback, failed to maintain momentum after the team’s 2021 playoff appearance. Despite the addition of Davante Adams and an impressive season for running back Josh Jacobs, poor play from Carr and an even poorer defense kept Las Vegas out of contention.
With Carr reportedly on the trade block, Brady’s seven Super Bowls seem to be more than enough for teams like the Raiders to offer a deal, even as he makes his way to yet another age barrier at 46. Teams will undoubtedly be interested in Brady for as long as he wants to play football, putting him in a position to decide how he wants to proceed.
As he did in Tampa Bay, Brady would likely require an effective coaching staff and exceptional players around him, something that Las Vegas can likely offer. Head coach Josh McDaniels worked closely with him as the quarterback’s coach and offensive coordinator of the Patriots. Meanwhile, Adams, Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller are formidable offensive contributors.
The pieces may fall perfectly into place for Brady to reunite with his old coach in Las Vegas, but another retirement decision will ultimately determine whether the quarterback will be available to any team in the near future. For now, the Raiders must find a trade partner for Carr while Brady and the Bucs prepare for the Cowboys in their NFC Wild Card game.
