The Las Vegas Raiders surprised many by passing on quarterback Shedeur Sanders several times in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they picked running back Ashton Jeanty and brought in veteran Geno Smith as their starting quarterback. Now, with the team struggling, questions are rising about Tom Brady’s possible role in that decision.
Did Tom Brady’s Mentorship Influence the Raiders’ Decision on Shedeur Sanders?
NBA star Damian Lillard posted on social media after the Raiders’ 6-40 loss to Indianapolis Colts, saying, “Time to go ahead and trade for Shedeur, man. SMFH.” This remark caught significant attention online because the Raiders had multiple chances to draft Sanders but chose not to.
In response, former six-time Pro Bowl WR Terrell Owens commented, “Brady discourage that behind the scenes,” suggesting that Tom Brady had secretly advised against picking Sanders.
Tom Brady, a Raiders minority owner, shares a mentor-student bond with Shedeur Sanders, with the latter often mentioning how Brady helped guide him during his early football days. Yet, despite this relationship, the Raiders’ draft strategy did not favor Sanders at all.
According to sources, Brady assisted the Raiders with their quarterback assessment ahead of the draft, which included going through game films with the coaching staff. However, the team decided to go in a different direction and selected Smith over Sanders.
Moreover, it has been a miserable year for Smith, who leads the NFL with nine interceptions against just six touchdowns. The Raiders, currently 1-4, sit 28th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics.Â
This situation has left fans frustrated. They see Sanders as a young talent who could help rebuild the Raiders, while the team seems stuck relying on an aging quarterback and a weak offense.
The contrast between Brady’s close mentorship of Sanders and the Raiders’ choice has raised eyebrows. While Brady publicly denied having a direct say in the decision, insiders and commentators claim he influenced the team’s choices.
For many, this feels like a missed opportunity by the Raiders to develop a promising quarterback.
A Browns player at the moment, Sanders hasn’t been given the necessary minutes. The 23-year-old recently stated he’s ready to start but remains Cleveland’s third-string QB. While reports indicate he’s expected to play at some point this season when fully prepared, Sanders caught flak for his recent comments on other QBs in the league. “I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” he said.
