Tom Brady’s fingerprints are all over the Las Vegas Raiders, and they may soon be etched deeper than ever — right onto the future of the quarterback position. With the 2025 NFL Draft just weeks away, Brady is reportedly eyeing Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders as his handpicked signal-caller of the future.
Shedeur, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, is one of the most polarizing QB prospects in this year’s class. His production, poise, and leadership have caught the attention of several teams, including the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints. But it’s the Raiders — and Brady in particular — who are generating serious buzz ahead of his in-person visit next week.
The Raiders currently hold the No. 7 overall pick, and with Pro Bowl QB Geno Smith already on the roster, many assumed they’d use that slot to address holes elsewhere. But reports say Brady sees Shedeur as a foundational player — a quarterback he can mentor, mold, and eventually turn the keys over to in a franchise that’s desperate for long-term stability under center.
Smith, 34, recently signed a two-year, $75 million extension, but the contract has no guaranteed money after the 2026 season. It’s structured to keep the Raiders flexible — and that flexibility may be exactly what Brady intends to use to bring in Sanders as the next face of the franchise.
Brady’s relationship with Sanders goes beyond scouting reports. The two have shared mentorship conversations over the years, with Brady offering guidance as Shedeur navigated both the college spotlight and NFL Draft process. That familiarity — combined with Brady’s football IQ — makes Shedeur a logical fit for Brady’s vision of the Raiders’ future.
But perhaps the biggest twist isn’t the quarterback itself — it’s Brady’s evolving role. League insiders are again hinting that the former Patriots and Buccaneers legend may not stop at being a co-owner. Brady has yet to officially begin his highly-publicized $375 million broadcasting deal with Fox Sports, and sources close to the situation say he may not start it at all.
The pull of the sidelines — and the front office — appears stronger than the booth. Brady’s voice already carries weight in Vegas, and his input was key in hiring Pete Carroll and trading for Geno Smith. If he successfully helps select Shedeur Sanders, don’t be surprised if Brady takes on a more formal football operations role, or even flirts with a coaching future.