Raiders Favored to Sign Tom Brady If QB Leaves Patriots

• The Cleveland Browns were originally favored to sign Tom Brady if the longtime Patriot leaves New England
• The Raiders recently moved into the favorite’s role
• Reports surfaced on Sunday that the Raiders are going all-out to sign Brady, but the Chargers make more sense as a landing spot

The Tom Brady saga took another turn on Super Bowl Sunday. The cryptic photo he had sent out earlier in the week looked like it might indicate that he was leaving the New England Patriots. Instead, it was just a teaser for a Super Bowl ad.

Even so, rumors surfaced on Sunday about the soon-to-be Las Vegas Raiders getting ready to make a strong push to sign the six-time Super Bowl champion. The odds have since shifted significantly.

Odds on Tom Brady’s 2020 Team

Odds taken on February 3, 2020. Note that all bets are no action if Brady returns to the Patriots in 2020. 

Raiders Rumored To Be In On Brady

A number of reports floated out on Super Bowl Sunday from various NFL reporters, and one that seems to have stuck is the news of the Raiders being interested in Brady. Originally, it was the Cleveland Browns who were favored.

The story of Brady to the Raiders makes sense as the team will be looking to make a splash in its new city. He’d be a great fit for the team as the Raiders already have a strong offensive line, a good running game with Josh Jacobs, and an elite tight end in Darren Waller. That already might be a better cast than Brady has.

Brady is an intense competitor and could mesh well with head coach Jon Gruden. Gruden looks for passionate players with experience and Brady brings that. The offense might even be able to open up a little bit as incumbent QB Derek Carr is not someone who can stretch the field. He’s gun-shy in the pocket and rarely progresses past his first read.

Chargers Odds Drop To +400

The Chargers had been a +200 favorite but they’ve since dipped to +400. They’re a team that might make sense as they were 12-4 in 2018 before last year’s 5-11 collapse. They have a solid roster on both sides of the ball but would probably have to rebuild the offensive line.

Football aside, the Chargers make sense because Brady could grow his brand significantly in Los Angeles. It’s a big market – much bigger than Boston or Las Vegas – and that could bring him a boatload of money in terms of endorsements and post-career opportunities.

Does Brady believe in the Chargers, though?

They’re typically a frugal franchise that doesn’t spend a lot and the jury seems to still be out on head coach Anthony Lynn. Just how much would Brady fit in that environment and would he risk it for the potential upside with endorsements?

Odds Brady Is on the Patriots Roster Week 1, 2020

Odds taken on February 3, 2020.

What’s The Best Bet?

At this point, I don’t actually think Brady is leaving. The Patriots are the team that’s closest to contention and he’s a fierce competitor who wants to win. New England offers him the best chance. All they’d have to do is find him an offensive weapon or too, which can be solved fairly easily.

If I had to bet on him leaving New England, I’d take a flier on the Chargers since their odds have dropped. Remember, Brady has Bay Area roots and he can live the glitzy life in Los Angeles. The Chargers have a fairly competent roster – one that can probably compete for double-digit wins next season – and Brady’s experience might put them over the top.

At the same time, I’m not expecting him to leave. I’d bet him at -250 to return as he has too much familiarity with the Patriots. They’re so close to another title and I can’t see any other situation offering Brady a better chance at a ring.

Pick: Brady to remain a Patriot in 2020 (-250)