Just days after a report revealed his influence in the Raiders’ decision to pass on Sam Darnold, Tom Brady is playing down his role in Las Vegas’ front office.
In an interview with Paul Gutierrez of Raiders.com, the Hall of Fame-bound quarterback referred to himself simply as a “limited partner,” casting his involvement in team decisions as minimal.
“Well, I’m just a limited partner, so Mark’s the boss,” Brady said, referring to owner Mark Davis. “And then Pete [Carroll] does his job and Spy [GM John Spytek] does his job, and I think we trust them to make the right decisions. I’m there as a great sounding board for anything they want to do.”
Is Brady More Than A Sounding Board For The Raiders?
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Brady’s modest framing came just days after The Athletic’s Michael Silver reported that Brady did exert influence—specifically, to steer the Raiders away from signing quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency. While Darnold was viewed by many as a top target after a breakout 2024 season in Minnesota, Brady “was not in favor of that approach,” per Silver, and his opinion “held great sway.”
Instead, the Raiders pivoted, acquiring veteran Geno Smith from Seattle to lead a retooled offense that includes top rookies Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
The irony is palpable. Brady insists he’s merely an advisor—but the team’s quarterback choice suggests he’s a trusted voice behind closed doors.
Still, Brady has praised Spytek and Carroll’s early work.
“They’ve worked together very well,” he said. “Winning games in September starts with what happens in February, March, and April.”
Perhaps so. But in Las Vegas, it’s increasingly clear that one of the loudest offseason voices belongs to the so-called “sounding board” with seven Super Bowl rings.