Are the stars aligning for Tom Brady to don the Silver and Black in 2023?
Las Vegas is almost certain to move on from Derek Carr after benching the nine-year starter for the final two games of the season. The move protects the Raiders from owing Carr $32.9 million in the event of an injury, and sets up the likelihood of an offseason trade that would bring a palatable $5.625 million hit in dead salary cap money.
The Raiders are loaded with skill position talent and will likely seek an experienced quarterback to team with running back Josh Jacobs, wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and tight end Darren Waller.
Las Vegas’ coach just also happens to be Brady’s longtime friend and former coordinator, Josh McDaniels.
“All options are on the table” for Brady in 2023, according to an NFL Network report earlier this month.
He was installed as the favorite by SportsBetting.ag to be the Raiders’ quarterback in Week 1 of next season after news of Carr’s benching. The list includes Jarrett Stidham, who will start Las Vegas’ final two games, along with five quarterbacks currently on other NFL rosters and four potential rookie draft picks.
Raiders Starting QB Week 1 2023 Odds*
Tom Brady (+300)
Jimmy Garoppolo (+350)
Anthony Richardson (+500)
C.J. Stroud (+650)
Will Levis (+700)
Jarrett Stidham (+800)
Lamar Jackson (+900)
Baker Mayfield (+1200)
Bryce Young (+1200)
Aaron Rodgers (+2200)
*If not Derek Carr
Brady, 45, at least contemplated Las Vegas as an option before signing with Tampa Bay in 2020. He went on to win a seventh Super Bowl with the Bucs.
After briefly retiring last offseason, Brady has played well during an uneven season for Tampa Bay’s offense overall. He is fourth in the NFL with 4,178 passing yards and has thrown 21 touchdowns against nine interceptions.
The Bucs have a losing record at 7-8 but are still in excellent position to win the NFC South.
According to the NFL Network report, Brady was likely leaning toward (another) retirement earlier this season when Tampa Bay dropped five of six games.
But with the team winning four of its past seven games and in position to make a potential playoff run, Brady’s passion is said to have been reignited.
The San Mateo, Calif., native has a nine-figure broadcasting deal with Fox Sports awaiting him whenever he elects to hang up his helmet.
Brady has until the start of free agency in mid-March to decide whether to re-sign with Tampa Bay or explore other options. Those could include Las Vegas, a return to New England or joining his childhood team in San Francisco.
The sportsbook is offering several Brady-related markets. That includes being a +2000 longshot to be the New York Jets’ starting quarterback next year and a few tied to potential retirement.
What Will Happen First By Week 1 2023
Tom Brady Retires (-130)
Tom Brady Signs With Patriots (+175)
Bill Belichick Retires (+350)
What Will Happen First By Week 1 2023
Matt Ryan Retires (-125)
Tom Brady Retires (+200)
Aaron Rodgers Retires (+350)
Matthew Stafford Retires (+1000)
–Field Level Media