Las Vegas Raiders: Tom Brady looking like only FA upgrade at QB in 2023
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders will be bringing in a new starting quarterback in 2023, and in terms of free agency, it looks like Tom Brady or bust.
The Las Vegas Raiders made the decision to move on from Derek Carr during the 2022 NFL season, a decision that kickstarted the question of who the next starting quarterback will be for the franchise. Since that day, numerous names have been thrown out as to who comes to the desert to lead the Silver and Black in 2023, and one big name has been Tom Brady.
Coming off another playoff appearance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady put together another strong season with the Bucs, but many believe his time with them is over. One likely destination for him is Las Vegas, as the team courted him in the past, and he is someone owner Mark Davis would love to bring in.
The problem is, if the Raiders cannot land Brady, there is no other upgrade available during free agency. As we inch closer to teams being able to negotiate with free agents, things are starting to look clearer, and Brady may be the only option when all is said and done.
Raiders likely out on Aaron Rodgers
With the New York Jets signing Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator this week, the signs are pointing that Aaron Rodgers could be headed to New York to play for them. Rodgers and Hackett have a strong history together, and if Rodgers is to leave New York, he will want to go somewhere he can do what he wants.
Outside of Brady and Rodgers, there is no clear upgrade over Carr at the position, which means a step down in talent at quarterback in 2023 unless a miracle happens. Going into his second season as head coach, Josh McDaniels cannot afford another down year, or else he would suffer the same fate he did in Denver, where he was fired during Year 2.
For now, the full-court press has to be placed on Brady, as it is looking like a Brady-or-Bust scenario.
Of course, the Raiders could fall in love with one of the quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft class, and decide they want to roll with a rookie under center in 2023. However, a veteran at quarterback is the path the Raiders want to go down next season, so even if they spend early draft capital at the position group, Brady or another veteran is coming to the desert this offseason.