As the 2025 NFL offseason commenced, the Las Vegas Raiders sought to enhance their quarterback situation after a disappointing 2024 season with a 4-13 record from three utilized quarterbacks, Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder, and Aidan O’Connell.
One notable free agent was Sam Darnold, who recently led the Minnesota Vikings to a successful 14-3 record in 2024. With Darnold set to enter free agency after not being tagged by the Vikings, speculation arose about the Raiders’ interest in signing him.
However, according to reports from The Athletic, Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, opposed bringing Darnold on board, likely influencing the Raiders’ decision-making.
Brady’s authority matters in the Raiders’ strategy, especially at the quarterback position, and the team listened to him on this decision. Instead, they traded for Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, reuniting him with coach Pete Carroll.
Raiders general manager John Spytek confirmed that Brady was consulted regarding the acquisition of Smith, to which Brady showed his approval. Smith expressed eagerness to learn from Brady, recognizing his remarkable career in the NFL.
Ultimately, after much anticipation, Sam Darnold ended up joining the Seahawks instead, as the Raiders moved in a different direction upon Brady’s counsel.
