Adam Schefter, citing league sources, reports that the Raiders are poised to pursue Tom Brady if he doesn’t re-sign with the Patriots before free agency.
However, Schefter says it remains to be seen whether the Raiders will be able to lure Brady to Las Vegas. Beyond that, Schefter mentions that Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed how much he wants Brady to return to New England and there will be talks between the two parties in the coming weeks.
The Patriots reportedly want to have a decision made well in advance of free agency, which starts on March 18. Although, multiple teams are expected to explore the possibility of signing him and he has said he is “open-minded” about the free-agent process.
Regarding the Raiders, Schefter writes that HC Jon Gruden has been a long-time admirer of his and they have a good relationship. League sources have told Schefter that Gruden wants Brady on the Raiders.
With the team moving to a new city, signing Brady would give the Raiders some instant credibility and marketing potential.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported earlier that the Patriots are intent on keeping Brady and believe he has one or two good years left in him. According to Rapoport, the Patriots are willing to pay Brady over $30 million per year to keep him in New England.
While a pay raise to something more in line with the top quarterback contracts, Rapoport says Brady will want to see the team spend on some offensive weapons. The expectation is that Brady will wait until the start of free agency before coming close on a deal.
Sources have told Rapoport that the Chargers are expected to be among the teams who will make a pitch to Brady. Depending on what happens with Ryan Tannehill, Rapoport mentions that the Titans could also be an option.
Brady, 42, is a former sixth-round pick of the Patriots back in 2000. He was in the final year of his two-year, $41 million contract when he agreed to a two-year extension a few weeks ago.
Brady made $23 million for the 2019 season and is in line to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
In 2019, Brady appeared in all 16 games for the Patriots and threw for 4,057 yards, 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also rushed for 34 yards and three touchdowns.
We have him featured in our Top 100 – 2020 Free Agents list.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
