Who will play quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 remains the biggest question surrounding the team this offseason. And the name that has continually popped up as a very real possibility is current Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller, Tom Brady.
The link between the two sides does make a ton of sense as Brady had previously considered signing with the Raiders when he last hit free agency and the team does have the type of offensive weapons Brady has thrived with in the past. Additionally, Brady saw his greatest success in New England under the offensive system of now-Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels.
Whether or not Brady will sign with the Raiders remains unclear, as is whether he will even play next season. But if he does, the Raiders reportedly believe Brady will consider joining Las Vegas according to NFL reporter Dov Kleiman:
The #Raiders believe Tom Brady would consider signing with them if he returns for the 2023 season.
The Raiders are one of “about three teams” Brady would consider, according to @JFowlerESPN
The #Bucs are also not completely out of it. pic.twitter.com/ldRcte4YGm
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 24, 2023
There are certainly some other teams aside from the Raiders who would be in the mix should Brady decide to suit up once again in 2023. Most notable among them could be the Miami Dolphins who boast perhaps the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It would also allow Brady to stay in Florida where his children are and it is known that he had considered signing with them previously as well.
As is noted in the tweet, a return to the Buccaneers isn’t completely out of the picture, though it does seem unlikely. The New York Jets have also been mentioned previously as a possibility, but it certainly feels like the Raiders have reason to believe Brady could be in silver and black next season.
Perhaps the more important question is whether Brady will play or choose to retire. Brady, of course, announced his retirement last offseason before reversing course and returning to Tampa Bay. But Brady had a rough season, finishing with a losing record for the first time in his career, and looking like a player who didn’t want to get hit.
A change of scenery, a familiar offensive system, and some dynamic weapons could be enough to entice Brady to come to Las Vegas, however, and that is what the Raiders are banking on.
