A mere appearance from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady can start a conversation about NFL free agency.
Brady attended UFC 246 in Las Vegas for Conor McGregor’s fight against Cowboy Cerrone. At the match, Brady was spotted chatting with Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis. With Brady scheduled to enter free agency in March, the quarterback’s meeting with Davis appeared notable, at first glance. In truth, the greeting probably wasn’t notable — largely because they aren’t allowed to discuss Brady’s impending free agency, per the NFL’s tampering rules.
So while folks started to freak out on social media about the conversation, it was probably just two NFL influencers exchanging pleasantries.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) January 19, 2020
But if you like a good conspiracy theory, then I’m here for you. Just hours before Davis and Brady met, general manger Mike Mayock was asked about Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who Mayock said had made improvements in his second season under Jon Gruden.
“My job is to evaluate every position and try and make us better. And if I can, I will, and if I can’t, I won’t,” Mayock told The Athletic.
Las Vegas isn’t not in the market for a quarterback.
What’s more, UFC president Dana White, who spent some time with Brady before the match, took time to hype up the quarterback’s connection with the Raiders. White also admitted: “I have no [expletive] idea what I’m talking about here.”
Just talked to Dana White after the press conference. He absolutely believes Tom Brady to the LV Raiders has legs. White is a longtime Pats fan who has a relationship with Brady and is a suiteholder at Allegiant Stadium. Also says Mark Davis is one of the nicest people in sports
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) January 19, 2020
Raiders owner Mark Davis and free agent-to-be Tom Brady were in the same building Saturday night. Patriots fan Dana White reacted to the presence of the two NFL personalities at UFC 246. pic.twitter.com/Cz0EOLyOXD
— NESN (@NESN) January 19, 2020
Even though the moment was probably nothing and White’s opinions have little value, NFL fans — particularly in Oakland and Las Vegas — were excited about seeing Davis and Brady together.
Future Las Vegas Raider Tom Brady pic.twitter.com/tSWvE6qxsb
— Radric Davis (@PrinceAppiah13) January 19, 2020
Mark Davis and Tom Brady talking at UFC 246?
Time to sit down and enjoy the rumors that will start spreading around.#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/xfAhWgT0nr
— Colton (@___colton) January 19, 2020
Find someone that looks at you the way Mark Davis looks at Tom Brady in silver & black… pic.twitter.com/o7LlVM0H39
— Paloma Villicana FOX5 (@PalomaVillicana) January 19, 2020
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 19, 2020
Raiders Owner Mark Davis shares a laugh with Free Agent Quarterback Tom Brady at last night’s UFC 246 (😲😲😲): https://t.co/4UzRUEjh3r
— Captain Cap (@RUN_D_S_C) January 19, 2020
Brady will spend the next few months under the microscope until his decision comes.
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