Full Breakdown
Mark Davis Reflects on Missed Opportunity to Sign Tom Brady in 2020
9/5/2025, 2:37:23 PM
The Missed Opportunity
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis has expressed regret over the team's decision not to sign Tom Brady during the 2020 free agency period. In a recent interview, Davis revealed that discussions about Brady joining the Raiders were serious, stating, “He was supposed to be here in 2020.” At that time, the Raiders were led by head coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock, who ultimately chose to continue with quarterback Derek Carr instead of pursuing Brady. This decision has since been viewed as a significant misstep in the franchise's history.
Background on the Decision
In 2020, Brady was a free agent after a storied career with the New England Patriots, where he won six Super Bowl titles. The Raiders, who had relocated to Las Vegas, were looking to bolster their roster. Davis indicated that he had a strong desire to bring Brady to the team, emphasizing that their relationship began during this pivotal offseason. However, Gruden and Mayock opted for a different direction, leading to Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won his seventh Super Bowl in his first season.
The Fallout
The Raiders' choice to stick with Carr resulted in a series of underwhelming seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2021 that ended in a wild-card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In contrast, Brady's success with the Buccaneers highlighted the Raiders' missed opportunity. Davis noted that he had “some bad feelings” about the decision, reflecting on how it could have altered the trajectory of both the Raiders and Brady's career.
Criticism of the Previous Regime
Davis's admission has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of Gruden and Mayock's leadership. Critics have pointed to their tenure as a period marked by poor decision-making, including the failure to secure Brady. UFC CEO Dana White previously claimed that he attempted to facilitate a deal that would have brought both Brady and Rob Gronkowski to Las Vegas, but Gruden ultimately blocked the move.
Official Statements & Responses
Davis has been vocal about his support for Brady's current role as a minority owner of the Raiders, stating, “I feel Tom is the one now to take this organization in the future on the football side.” He believes that Brady's competitive spirit and football knowledge will be instrumental in guiding the franchise moving forward. Recently, the NFL adjusted rules to allow Brady more interaction with teams, which Davis welcomed, indicating a shift in how ownership and broadcasting roles can coexist.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was supposed to be here in 2020.” — Mark Davis, Owner of the Las Vegas Raiders
- “Obviously, it was a tough decision for him, and he was close to wanting to come here.” — Mark Davis
- “But as I got to know him through that process, I let his agent know that when he was done playing, I would like him to be a part of our organization.” — Mark Davis
Conclusion
While Tom Brady is now a minority owner of the Raiders, the franchise's decision not to sign him in 2020 remains a point of contention for Davis and fans alike. The narrative of what could have been continues to linger, as the Raiders look to the future with Brady's involvement in the organization.
