3 Tom Brady backup plans for every team that was interested

Raiders backup plans after Tom Brady retirement

The Raiders were the most likely destination for Tom Brady were he to come back for his age-46 season. Sadly, it was never meant to be, and now the Raiders must turn elsewhere for a Derek Carr replacement.

Las Vegas seems likely to trade Carr, who they benched for the final few games of the season in preparation for such events. Brady — being Tom freaking Brady — was the most likely suitor. A washed up GOAT ending his career in Vegas? It’s a made for TV comedy, no?

Yet, Brady changed that entire plan on Wednesday, when he announced he was done — for a second time, mind you — on social media. So, where should the Raiders turn from here?

Tom Brady backup plan: Keep Jarrett Stidham and draft competition

Jarrett Stidham looked capable in his few starts at the end of the season. It was the first time he was given a real opportunity with no strings attached.

Las Vegas surrounded Derek Carr and then Stidham with weapons. All they ask in return is to get those weapons the ball in space. For Vegas, the worst-case scenario for next season is to have Stidham starting behind center, and that’s not so bad after all. Allowing Stidham to compete for the starting job in training camp with a cagey veteran behind him would force the Auburn product to prove he deserves this opportunity. Should he win out, then why not give him a chance?

Tom Brady backup plan: Make up with Derek Carr

Derek Carr and the Raiders ended on a bad note. Is he okay with being the backup plan?

At this point, he may have no choice. Vegas does have an out this offseason in Carr’s contract, should they want it. However, now that Brady is off the market, keeping a decent signal-caller who has a solid relationship with Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow isn’t the worst idea in the world.

Sure, a couple phone calls would need to be made. Perhaps a public apology is in order for how Carr was treated at the end of last season. But, once that is all sorted out, what’s stopping the Raiders from keeping Carr under contract and behind center?

Tom Brady backup plan: Trade for Aaron Rodgers

If the Raiders were willing to chase Tom Brady, why wouldn’t they do the same for Aaron Rodgers?

Rodgers is readily available and the Packers would prefer to trade him out of the conference. Las Vegas has the draft capital to make such a deal happen. Davante Adams would be thrilled with any move, obviously, as he and Rodgers had an excellent connection in Green Bay.

It’s a winning move for a Raiders team that desperately needs some new blood at the quarterback position. Even if it’s only for a few remaining seasons, Rodgers is the answer here.