The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2025 NFL season with high hopes for a fresh start under head coach Pete Carroll, banking on a reunion with veteran quarterback Geno Smith, whom they acquired via trade. Smith, who had previously thrived under Carroll during his three-year stint as the Seattle Seahawks’ starter, was expected to bring stability and competitiveness to a Raiders team not projected to dominate the AFC West but at least vie for a Wild Card spot. However, seven games into the season, that decision has proven to be a colossal misstep—and minority owner Tom Brady’s influence is drawing scrutiny.
Smith’s performance has been nothing short of disastrous. In his first seven games with the Raiders, he’s thrown a meager seven touchdowns against a league-leading 10 interceptions, anchoring the team to a dismal 2-5 record. This is a far cry from the steady, efficient play he delivered in Seattle, where he revitalized his career. Raiders fans, already tempered in their expectations, are understandably frustrated, as the team’s quarterback play has torpedoed any chance of postseason contention.
To make matters worse, the Raiders had a golden opportunity to pursue a different quarterback in the offseason: Sam Darnold. According to a June report by Michael Silver of The Athletic, Las Vegas’ front office was keen on signing Darnold, who has since flourished with the Seahawks. Darnold has thrown 12 touchdowns against just four interceptions, leading Seattle to a strong 5-2 start. But the move for Darnold was nixed, and the reason why is raising eyebrows: Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion and Raiders minority owner, wasn’t on board.
Silver reported that Brady’s opinion carried significant weight within the organization, and the legendary quarterback was not in favor of signing Darnold. Instead, Brady endorsed the trade for Smith, a player he reportedly respected for his on-field capabilities. Unfortunately, that respect hasn’t translated to results in Las Vegas, and the contrast between Smith’s struggles and Darnold’s success is glaring. If Darnold continues his impressive play and leads Seattle to a deep playoff run, the Raiders’ decision to pass on him could haunt the franchise for years.
Brady’s influence as a minority owner is unusually strong, a reflection of his unparalleled NFL legacy. But this situation highlights the risks of leaning too heavily on a former player’s judgment, no matter how decorated. The Raiders’ decision to trust Brady’s evaluation over others in the front office has backfired spectacularly, and fans are left wondering if he’s the right voice to guide the team’s future quarterback decisions.
The Raiders are likely to move on from Smith soon, with their sights set on the 2026 NFL Draft to find a long-term solution at quarterback. Brady will undoubtedly have a say in that process, but his track record is already under fire. The memory of John Elway’s struggles as a general manager with the Denver Broncos looms large—just because a quarterback excelled on the field doesn’t mean they can evaluate talent effectively off it. With one strike against him for passing on Darnold in favor of Smith, Brady will need to prove he can make the right call next time. For now, Raiders fans are left cringing at the stat line—7 TDs, 10 INTs—that defines their team’s 2025 season.