As a minority owner of the Raiders, Brady would logically fit the team’s mentoring needs for Mendoza, though a return would be awkward if Brady played for another team. He has suggested that a Patriots return isn’t feasible given their quarterback situation, and he told a major outlet that the NFL doesn’t favor any comeback scenario at this time.
Despite ongoing speculation, Brady’s stance appears firm: he remains retired. The bigger question for Las Vegas is identifying a veteran who can stabilize the offense while Mendoza develops. The Raiders finished last season with a high number of sacks allowed, complicating any plan that would rely on a rookie to start immediately.
Mendoza is clearly the future for Las Vegas, but the roster currently includes only one quarterback, Aidan O’Connell. Kirk Cousins has been floated as a logical fit due to stylistic similarities with Mendoza and a prior connection to the Raiders’ coaching staff, though whether Cousins would be willing to join remains uncertain.
If the Raiders cannot land a veteran who can start right away, Mendoza could be thrust into a starting role sooner than anticipated. The team will need to weigh the risk of starting a rookie against the potential upside of his development and the pressure to win in a competitive division.
In summary, while Brady’s name has dominated the chatter, the NFL and Brady appear to be aligned in keeping him retired. Las Vegas must balance veteran experience with Mendoza’s timeline, exploring options like Cousins while evaluating the immediate needs of a team looking to rebuild around its top quarterback prospect.
