Raiders could reignite Tom Brady-Jimmy Garoppolo Patriots rivalry this offseason

The Las Vegas Raiders aren’t just interested in Tom Brady this offseason. They could bring in Jimmy Garoppolo instead.

Las Vegas has long coveted Tom Brady, who is expected to leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason. After a playoff exit, Brady will contemplate his future and either retire or take on a new challenge elsewhere.

A return to Tampa Bay doesn’t seem feasible, as Brady clearly had issues with the play-calling and never clicked with head coach Todd Bowles. Their best days are behind them.

However, even the Raiders connection to Brady isn’t so solid. While Josh McDaniels has coached the Patriots great before in New England, recent reports suggest McDaniels would rather develop a young quarterback than take on a 45-year-old nearing the end of the line.

Raiders owner Mark Davis, meanwhile, is tired of opposing fans packing Allegiant Stadium. Something as to give, and Vegas has options.

Will the Raiders sign Tom Brady?

Las Vegas could definitely acquire Brady on a short-term deal, and he has the kind of star power to pack Allegiant Stadium on a regular basis. However, TB12 is also 45 years old, and will turn 46 before the start of next season. Does he want to play for a team that woefully missed the playoffs this year?

Raiders have a backup plan

If not Tom Brady, then Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggests Las Vegas could chase Jimmy Garoppolo instead. Jimmy G is a stable veteran who can play up to or near the standard of Derek Carr. While not Brady, Garoppolo can lead a team to the postseason, as he’s proven with the San Francisco 49ers. He also would allow the Raiders to spend their money elsewhere, rather than devoting most their capital to a player with name recognition like Brady.

Tom Brady-Jimmy Garoppolo rivalry, explained

This won’t be the first time Brady and Garoppolo are competing for a job, though it’ll be in free agency. Per ESPN’s Seth Wickersham, Brady applied pressure on the Patriots front office to trade Garoppolo while the duo were in New England. He felt the coaching staff favored Garoppolo at times. Though, looking back, he never really had much to worry about.