The Las Vegas Raiders are on the hunt for a franchise quarterback, and with Tom Brady involved as a minority owner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team is exploring multiple avenues to secure their next leader under center, and the possibilities are as intriguing as they are unpredictable.
Quarterback Options: Free Agency, Draft, or Trade?
One route the Raiders could take is through free agency, where Sam Darnold is set to become an unrestricted free agent. While Darnold has had an up-and-down career, he still carries the potential to be a solid starter if placed in the right system. With the right coaching and weapons around him, he could be an option worth considering.
Another possibility is the 2024 NFL Draft, where the Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick. That’s a prime position to land a top-tier quarterback prospect, and two names stand out—Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Both quarterbacks have demonstrated high upside, and if the Raiders feel one of them is the answer, they could either stay put or even trade up to secure their preferred choice.
However, there’s an entirely different scenario playing out behind the scenes, and this one involves a seasoned veteran who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
The Matthew Stafford Connection
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, none other than Tom Brady himself has been in contact with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s camp. The conversations reportedly revolve around the idea of Stafford potentially joining the Raiders, shaking up the entire quarterback landscape.
Stafford, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, remains under contract with the Rams for the next two seasons. However, there’s a major wrinkle in the situation—he’s looking for a new deal that would pay him over $50 million per year. Given his talent and experience, it’s not surprising that he wants a lucrative contract, but whether the Rams will meet that demand remains to be seen.
Adding fuel to the fire, over the weekend, the Rams granted Stafford’s agent permission to speak with other NFL teams. This wasn’t an outright trade request, but it’s a clear indication that Stafford and his camp are at least exploring their options. If things don’t work out in Los Angeles, could he really end up in Las Vegas?
Would Stafford Even Want to Join the Raiders?
Here’s where things get a little tricky. While Stafford is undoubtedly an elite quarterback, he’s also 37 years old and likely looking to compete for championships in the final stretch of his career. That makes the Raiders a bit of an odd fit, considering they are coming off a disappointing 4–13 season and don’t exactly have a loaded roster on offense.
Outside of standout tight end Brock Bowers and reliable receiver Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders lack elite, proven offensive weapons. If Stafford were to leave the Rams, chances are he’d want to go somewhere with a better chance of making a deep playoff run.
But then again, there’s a wildcard in this situation—Tom Brady.
Brady’s Influence: Can He Work His Magic?
As one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a seven-time Super Bowl champion, Brady has an undeniable pull in the NFL world. If anyone can make a persuasive case for Stafford to take a leap of faith and join the Raiders, it’s Brady. The two quarterbacks have a mutual respect as battle-tested veterans, and if Brady can sell Stafford on the vision for the Raiders, it might just be enough to make him consider the move.
Of course, pulling this off wouldn’t be easy. The Raiders would have to find the cap space to absorb Stafford’s massive contract or work out a trade deal that makes sense for all parties involved. Additionally, they’d need to convince Stafford that Las Vegas is the right place for him—a task that may prove difficult given the team’s current state.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see which direction they take. Do they take a chance on Darnold in free agency? Do they draft their quarterback of the future with the No. 6 pick? Or do they make a bold move and attempt to land a proven winner in Stafford?
The only certainty is that the Raiders need an answer at quarterback, and they need it fast. With Brady in the mix, the intrigue is at an all-time high, and the potential for a blockbuster move remains very much in play.
Stay tuned, because the Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback saga is just getting started!
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