According to multiple reports, including The Athletic, Brady was “not in favor” of signing Sam Darnold this offseason, despite the quarterback coming off a 14-win season with the Minnesota Vikings. That decision helped pave the way for a trade that brought Geno Smith to Las Vegas, reuniting him with head coach Pete Carroll and giving the team a veteran presence they trust.
Damn: Raiders minority owner Tom Brady did NOT want the team to sign Sam Darnold in free agency:
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 21, 2025
“While some believed the Las Vegas Raiders would try to sign Darnold, minority owner Tom Brady—a seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback whose opinion held great sway—was not in… pic.twitter.com/jGXCfqFA16
Geno Smith Gets Brady's Approval, Darnold Gets Passed Over
Darnold’s 2024 campaign was a mixed bag. While he led the Vikings to the postseason after J.J. McCarthy’s injury, his late-season struggles, including a 27-9 playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, dented his stock. Brady reportedly favored Geno Smith for his poise, accuracy, and history with Carroll.
#Raiders part owner Tom Brady reportely did not want Sam Darnold as the starting QB #RaiderNation #NFL pic.twitter.com/Qr9wLNVPpX
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) June 20, 2025
Raiders GM John Spytek confirmed Brady was consulted before the trade with Seattle, stating, “We’d have to be fools not to involve him.” Darnold ultimately landed in Seattle on a 3-year, $100.5 million deal, while Smith signed a two-year extension with Vegas after the trade.
Shedeur Sanders and Rookie QBs Were Also Off the Table
Interestingly, Brady also distanced himself from the Raiders’ decision to skip drafting Shedeur Sanders, despite speculation he played a role. “I wasn’t a part of any evaluation process,” Brady claimed, though insiders believe his preferences swayed the team toward veteran options.
The coaching staff wasn’t eager to develop a rookie, and instead used their first-rounder on RB Ashton Jeanty.
Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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