Tom Brady’s legendary focus and precision on the field have not translated to his post-retirement ventures, particularly with the Las Vegas Raiders. Since becoming a minority owner in 2024, Brady has juggled numerous side projects, including broadcasting, cryptocurrency ventures, and international sports promotion, while also overseeing key football decisions for a struggling franchise.
The Raiders are 2–9 this season, following a humiliating 24–10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Offensively, they averaged just 2.9 yards per play before garbage time, while Geno Smith was sacked ten times and pressured 46 times—a league high for a single game this season. On defense, the Raiders allowed chunk plays to a historically inconsistent Cleveland offense, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction.
Brady’s fingerprints are all over the team’s current struggles. Last offseason, he approved critical hires, including general manager John Spytek and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He also endorsed a roster plan favoring head coach Pete Carroll’s preferences, trading for Smith and drafting a running back sixth overall despite a weak offensive line. Many of these moves have backfired, leaving the Raiders without a cohesive identity or foundation for the future.
The contrast with the Browns is stark. Cleveland’s rookie class, led by Shedeur Sanders, is showing promise, while the Raiders have hesitated to give meaningful reps to young players. Only two rookies have seen significant playing time, and veteran players continue to dominate key positions despite the team’s glaring weaknesses.
With playoff contenders in the Raiders’ division, improvement will be a monumental task. Unlike teams such as the Jets or Giants, who have clear rebuild paths, the Raiders lack a core quarterback, a plan, or a defined identity. The organization’s most powerful decision-maker operates intermittently, signing off on franchise-altering moves while juggling other ventures, leaving the franchise rudderless.
Brady once dominated the NFL through unparalleled focus. For the Raiders to recover, they need more than occasional oversight—they need clarity, commitment, and a coherent strategy. Without it, the team risks another lost season and a reboot that could extend well beyond 2025.
