Tom Brady Reportedly Blocked Raiders From Signing Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold‘s NFL journey has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, however the 2024 season was a outstanding comeback for the previous No. 3 general decide. Having signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold went in opposition to expectations, threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns to guide his group to a 14-3 mark.

His efficiency additionally noticed him safe a three-year, $100.5 million deal from the Seattle Seahawks, who traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders to create house for his or her new franchise quarterback.

However, stories are actually claiming that Tom Brady blocked the Las Vegas Raiders from recruiting Darnold.

Brady Reportedly Opposed Raiders Pursuing Darnold

Darnold’s street to Seattle may have been influenced by a shocking supply: Tom Brady. Sources instructed The Athletic’s Michael Silver that the Raiders’ minority proprietor was “not in favor” of signing Darnold as a free agent. Though not in cost, Brady’s recommendation supposedly has “great sway” with the group, robust sufficient to steer Las Vegas to carry again Geno Smith as an alternative.

Brady’s resistance provides a dramatic twist to what in any other case may need been one other NFL story. Instead of gunning for Darnold, the Raiders traded a third-round draft decide to Seattle to carry again Smith, who performed beneath Carroll when he loved a profession resurgence.

Darnold’s Revival After Rocky NFL Start

Darnold’s 2024 success adopted just a few irritating seasons within the league. He fought consistency with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers earlier than backing up Brock Purdy for the 2023 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Most thought of his time in Minnesota his final probability to indicate that he could possibly be a starting-level quarterback.

And for a majority of the season, Darnold carried out. His career-high 102.5 passer ranking got here with it, and he appeared poised to information Minnesota deep into the playoffs. But when issues actually mattered, cracks confirmed.

In the season finale in opposition to Detroit with the NFC North title within the steadiness, Darnold was 18 of 41 passing in a rout, a 31-9 defeat, NESN reported. He adopted that up with a median effort in a Wild Card loss to the Rams, receiving 9 sacks and throwing an costly interception.

These late-season points may need exacerbated Brady’s reluctance. But regardless of the case, Seattle did sufficient to make a franchise funding in Darnold.

Geno Smith Wins Brady’s Approval in Vegas

While Darnold is off to a brand new starting in Seattle, the Raiders acquired a quarterback who had established chemistry beneath Carroll. Geno Smith, whose NFL profession was revived following years of being a backup, had Brady’s endorsement, in response to stories.

Raiders GM John Spytek knowledgeable The Athletic that Tom Brady admired Smith’s throwing mechanics and skill to develop.

“[Brady] liked the way he threw it, his technique, throwing from the ground up, and his motion. And he thought he had the potential to improve.”

Ironically, the Raiders and Seahawks will face each other of their preseason opener on Aug. 7. Although each Darnold and Smith may sit out the exhibition, the quarterback cleaning soap opera will definitely be a giant storyline.

Whatever Brady’s impression was, whether or not central or marginal, Sam Darnold’s redemption arc persists, simply not in Sin City. And if he succeeds in Seattle, the Raiders can look again on this transfer with some remorse.