Darren Waller heard Tom Brady to the Las Vegas Raiders was a ‘lock’

By Andrew Buller-Russ

·Updated: February 21, 2023

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

After nine years of Derek Carr leading the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback has been let go. One potential solution could have been Tom Brady, but he’s since retired.

The only quarterback on the Raiders’ roster is 2022 undrafted player Chase Garbers, who has yet to attempt an NFL pass. Recently, Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller was asked about who he thought would be the Raiders’ QB in 2023, and his response is sure to raise eyebrows.

While he initially noted that he has “no idea” and has “no input” on roster decisions, he eventually did offer up a couple of interesting names for the Raiders.

“I’ve heard it from multiple sources that I respect and I’ve been close to. They’re like, ‘Yeah, Brady to the Raiders was a lock.'”
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller talks about Tom Brady rumors

While this is a bit misleading, Waller actually appears to be talking about Brady’s initial foray into free agency, back in 2020 when he instead signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s worth noting that Brady went on to win Super Bowl LV that very same year. Meanwhile, the Raiders went 8-8 and missed the postseason altogether.

Darren Waller would ‘not be disappointed’ with Aaron Rodgers

While the TB12 rumors are now history, we turn back to the original question of who will be quarterbacking the Raiders in 2023. Again, Waller chimed in on one of the more-popular rumors circulating around the league.

“Anybody who’s ever played football would be on board with Aaron Rodgers coming to the team. If he comes to the team, I will not be disappointed.”
Darren Waller on idea of Aaron Rodgers joining Raiders

So, Waller wouldn’t be disappointed with swapping a four-time Pro Bowl QB for a four-time MVP instead? Can’t say that’s too surprising.

One of the biggest challenges for the Raiders this offseason will be landing a quarterback who is definitively better than Carr. Otherwise, how can you sell the chance to win to your fanbase?

Rodgers would certainly fit the bill. There aren’t many others who would qualify as being undoubtedly an improvement over Carr’s production since becoming the second-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Yet, the Raiders will have plenty of options available this offseason.