Tom Brady retires: 3 teams that wish he stuck around for one more year

1. Las Vegas Raiders

No team fell shorter of expectations in 2022 than the Las Vegas Raiders, who ended with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs by a mile.

Could Tom Brady have righted the ship? All signs point to: Probably.

Las Vegas was one of the most popular teams rumored to sign Brady this offseason, and out of all the options, Sin City posed as one of the most desirable places for an aging vet. The Raiders have an indoor stadium, good weather, no to mention there’s no state tax in Nevada. All superficial reasons, but reasons that are still valid.

As for the football reasons, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels served as Brady’s longtime offensive coordinator with the Patriots, and general manager Dave Ziegler also was familiar with Brady back in New England.

Brady would also get an elite wideout in Davante Adams, who remains under contract through 2026, and a skilled tight end in Darren Waller. Who needs Mike Evans or Gronk?

The Raiders have quite a few issues it needs to iron out this offseason, including what to do with running back Josh Jacobs and quarterback Derek Carr, yet the roster building blocks and the strong foundations are there.

Of course, the nasty detriment is playing in a conference against Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and a Sean Payton-coached Russell Wilson.

There’s no telling what team Brady would have picked because, well, he retired. In the event of an un-retirement, expect the Raiders to already have one finger on the phone.