While Tom Brady is not officially the general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, his influence on the team’s direction has become increasingly evident since acquiring a minority stake in the franchise last year. Brady has reportedly taken a hands-on approach to team affairs, a notion further reinforced by the hiring of former Buccaneers executive John Spytek as general manager. His involvement was also apparent in his reported meeting with quarterback Matthew Stafford at a Montana ski resort before Stafford ultimately chose to remain with the Rams. Additionally, Brady played a pivotal role in persuading Pete Carroll to return to coaching, leading the veteran coach to take the helm in Las Vegas.
With free agency approaching, Brady now faces the challenge of assembling a competitive roster. His first major move came on Friday night, when the Raiders acquired quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a third-round pick. This transaction signals a new direction for the Raiders as they seek stability at the quarterback position following a tumultuous 2023 season.
Smith, who was entering the final year of his contract in Seattle, had been seeking a contract extension reflecting his success over the past three seasons. While his demands were not as high as those of top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen, they were substantial enough that the Seahawks hesitated to commit long-term. As a result, Smith reportedly requested a trade, leading to his move to Las Vegas.
For the Raiders, acquiring Smith presents both opportunity and risk. The 34-year-old quarterback has demonstrated the ability to lead a team to a winning record but has yet to achieve postseason success. However, Las Vegas was in dire need of quarterback stability after a season in which they relied on Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell. With Smith now in place, the Raiders can shift their focus to finalizing a contract extension that will provide salary cap flexibility moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Raiders may not be finished making moves. With the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, speculation has arisen about the possibility of selecting highly touted quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders. Some even wonder whether Deion Sanders could be brought in to play a leadership role within the organization. While such speculation remains uncertain, it highlights the level of intrigue surrounding the franchise’s next steps.
Despite the roster improvements, the Raiders remain a long way from Super Bowl contention. Smith’s tenure as a starter in Seattle did not yield playoff victories, and the Seahawks finished the 2023 season with a negative point differential. Competing against powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills will be a daunting task. However, compared to their struggles in recent seasons, the Raiders appear to be trending in the right direction.
Brady’s influence on the Raiders is already making waves, and his ability to reshape the team’s fortunes will be closely watched. While his legendary playing career is behind him, his role in shaping Las Vegas’ future suggests he is eager to prove himself as an executive. Whether this vision translates into long-term success remains to be seen, but for now, the Raiders have taken a significant step forward under his watch.