When Tom Brady announced his decision to leave the New England Patriots, a number of teams were in the mix. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders were the four teams mainly mentioned, before he eventually chose the former.
It was later stated by UFC president Dana White, that a deal was in the works for both Brady and Rob Gronkowski to join the team, before the Raiders chose to stick with current quarterback Derek Carr. Brady went on to make statements that he came close to joining another team, but stated that he was told that they would be sticking with their current quarterback.
Now, Derek Carr has almost certainly played his last snaps as the quarterback with the Raiders, after they have benched him so that he does not pick up an injury which would see his contract to become guaranteed, with the expectation that he will be released this summer.
And now, Brady may have the chance to join the Raiders again this off-season, when he becomes a free agent once again, and it has been reported that the team are interested.
Colin Cowherd, citing a post in the Las Vegas Journal, said: "The reason they sat Derek Carr is so that they can keep him healthy and don't have to pay him. Owner Mark Davis wants a new quarterback.
"They also have Maxx Crosby, Davante Adams, Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs - they want to get the most out of their star players. They are reportedly willing to cut him. I like Derek Carr, I think he's a top 12 quarterback.
"Tom Brady is a free agent. It isn't a perfect fit. He's comfortable with Josh McDaniels, but he's not proven himself as a head coach - they've lost a lot of close games and his decision making has been questionable. The Raiders defence is a mess. Their first draft pick should be a corner and their second should be a safety. It's a mess.
"Their offensive line is fine, not great. They have wholes but they do check the right boxes - they have some good pieces at wide receiver, pass rusher, offensive line. They check all the boxes for Brady."
Brady could indeed return to the Buccaneers though, where he is comfortable and currently resides, whilst spending time in Massachusetts with his children and in San Francisco - where his parents live - in the off-season.
Conversely, the legendary figure could walk away from the sport, where he is set to take up a commentary job with FOX Sports after signing a 10-year deal.
