The case for and against Tom Brady with the Raiders

Could we be headed for a Tom Brady-Jon Gruden pairing in Las Vegas?

As we near the 2020 offseason of the NFL, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are in a situation they have never delved in before. Brady is a free agent come March 18. And although there is a strong chance he returns, other teams will be vying for his services. Here is a look at one of the teams that has been most associated with Brady’s services. Would Jon Gruden really ditch Derek Carr as the team’s current starter at quarterback? Are the Raiders a good fit for Brady? Should Brady even consider signing with the Las Vegas Raiders? We break that all down here.

Case for Brady signing with the Raiders

First off, the move from Oakland to Las Vegas may seem to hurt Brady chances initially, as playing in Oakland would have meant Brady could have visited his parents more often in the Bay area, where they reside, and where Tom grew up.

But really, to become the Raiders starting quarterback in this first year moving into Las Vegas is captivating. Brady would be the true face of a franchise dawning in a new era, and they would pay him as such.

The Raiders have roughly $50 million in cap space available, according to Over The Cap. There are already reports – from Larry Fitzgerald’s father,  no less — that the Raiders are willing to offer Brady $60 million over two years. Could they also make that hypotehtical contract fully guaranteed?

Before getting into the team, we’d have to figure out what the Raiders would do with Derek Carr. The inclination is that Gruden would ship Carr out in favor of Brady in a heartbeat. Teams like the Chicago Bears or Indianapolis Colts may even be interested in Carr’s services, meaning a trade could work.

As for what Brady would be working with — on offense, the Raiders have developmental receivers that should continue to excel in tight end Darren Waller and slot man Hunter Renfrow. Both are pass catchers that would most likely benefit from Brady.

And then there are more established starters, such as big-man Tyrell Williams at wide receiver, and running back Josh Jacobs.

Jacobs may already blossom into a top-five level running back by the middle of next season. He certainly has the potential to possibly carry an offense a few games a year. He would be a player capable of taking loads of pressure off Brady.

Las Vegas (still feels weird to say) is still in need of a No. 1 level wide receiver with speed and route-running ability. The Raiders have two first-round picks (No. 11, No. 19) and could be looking at drafting the likes of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb or Henry Ruggs. If not, the team may look for a quality receiver in free agency or via a trade.

Bottom line, Gruden loves offense and he’d be willing to supply Brady with talent.

Case against Brady signing with the Raiders

Recently, Antonio Brown alluded to the fact that him and Brady still keep in touch, and would like to play together.

This may be a total crock from Brown, but if we are to entertain this, Raiders GM Mike Mayock recently stated on Brown: “I think he had his time at the Raiders and I think his time there is up.”

That’s expected. Even if Brady were to plead with the franchise, it’s unlikely they’ll ever give Brown a shot there after embarrassing them (and himself) just a year earlier in training camp.

So where would the Raiders get a top-flight receiver? Would Brady be interested in breaking in a rookie No. 1 receiver in a non-Patriots offensive system?

Can the Raiders try to pry away Odell Beckham Jr. or Stefon Diggs via a trade? The ability to create a top-flight offense around Brady relies on it, and Las Vegas, although improving on offense, is still in need of more help.

Then there’s the Raiders defense. Ranked 19th in total yards allowed and 24th in points per game allowed in 2019. Those aren’t exactly good numbers. They need more help on that side of the ball than they do on offense.

Could this team, coupled with Brady and a few pieces, compete with the likes of the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West?

We’re not so sure.

How good is the fit?

Ultimately, like the Chargers fit, the pairing makes some sense, but the fit is highly overrated, and is really just fun to talk about. The Chargers and Raiders are in need of Brady to be the face of their franchise as they venture into new stadiums and cities. But the overall fit isn’t as glamorous.

Fit: 6.5 out of 10