Tom Brady Didn’t Want Raiders To Sign Sam Darnold

Heading into the offseason, it was widely reported that minority owner and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady would have input into the Las Vegas Raiders’ offseason decisions.

The Raiders, who won just four games last season, entered the offseason needing a new quarterback. The QB room in 2024 featured Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder.

Michael Silver of The Athletic revealed that Brady did not want the Raiders to invest in Sam Darnold.

“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 favor of that approach,” Silver wrote.

Going into the offseason, the Raiders were considered one of the favorites to sign Darnold. Brady’s opinion pointed the team in a different direction.

The Raiders instead opted for free-agent quarterback Geno Smith, whom they signed to a two-year, $75 million contract.

Darnold signed with Smith’s former team, the Seattle Seahawks, on a three-year, $100.5 million contract.

Last season, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. He led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record and a playoff appearance.

The Raiders’ offense is primed to take a step up behind a former Pro Bowl quarterback and sixth overall pick, Ashton Jeanty.