The 2022 season has finally wrapped, and the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves looking at several important questions as their offseason begins.
Head coach Josh McDaniels severely underwhelmed in his first year with the Raiders, but all signs are pointing to him returning to lead the team in 2023. However, it feels like Derek Carr’s time with the organization will end after McDaniels decided to bench the long-time Las Vegas quarterback for the final two games of the season.
Backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham got the nod in place of Carr and performed admirably in his first career NFL starts, but with pressure to get back into the postseason and win, the front office will likely find Carr’s replacement either via trade or free agency.
There will be several options for the Raiders to pursue, but in an appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said that Las Vegas already has begun to look into Tom Brady as he will be a free agent this offseason:
A source told DP that Jimmy G may be a more viable options than Tom Brady for the #Raiders this offseason. @AlbertBreer joined us and discussed whether he could see Brady in Vegas.
Albert’s full appearance: https://t.co/9Lslbuz6oZ pic.twitter.com/dRe94O2wPD
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) January 6, 2023
Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also not played very well throughout the year, but they are in the postseason, where he’s capable of anything. So far, there’s been no indication from Brady that he’ll look to retire, though it is an open question as to where he’ll play next year.
Perhaps Brady’s future depends on how the playoffs go, but there’s no doubt he’ll have his fair share of suitors in free agency, considering how many teams need quarterback help. Working in the Raiders’ favor is his familiarity with McDaniels, as the two spent several years together with the New England Patriots. Still, the overall talent level of the roster should be a bigger factor in the legendary quarterback’s decision.
Las Vegas has several talented pieces on the team, and it would be easy to vault them into contender consideration should Brady decide to suit up for the Silver and Black. It’s a fun possibility to consider for Raiders fans who are starved for playoff success, but for now, it’s best to wait and see how the next several months unfold.
