Report: Jon Gruden Nixed Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski Joining Raiders

Could Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have landed in Las Vegas with the Raiders when the seven-time Super Bowl champion was a free agent?

Las Vegas Raiders fans are rightfully excited for the upcoming season with the arrival of Davante Adams and new head coach, Josh McDaniels. However, in an alternate universe, could they be getting ready for their third season with Tom Brady under center instead?

According to UFC President Dana White, that scenario could have played out had former head coach, Jon Gruden, not nixed the whole deal.

At the UFC 278 event, White claimed that he helped broker a deal for Brady and Rob Gronkowski in 2020 when the then six-time Super Bowl champion was a free agent. White went as far as to say that Brady was even looking for houses, however, Gruden had other plans.

Did Tom Brady almost become a Raider in 2020? ???? #Raiders #RaidersNation #NFL @FPCRaiders pic.twitter.com/0fXANT0L0C

— Full Press NFL (@FullPressNFL) August 21, 2022

In 2020, Derek Carr, Gruden, and the Raiders stumbled to an 8-8 record in their first season in Las Vegas. Of course, Brady ultimately landed in Tampa and led the Buccaneers to an 11-5 record and their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

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In hindsight, after Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2020, it’s easy to say Gruden made a mistake. Even without hindsight, it’s still easy to say Gruden made an error, however, given the length of his contract with the Raiders, and Brady’s age, it was somewhat justified for him to pass.

It is unclear what Gruden’s specific objective to Brady coming to Las Vegas in 2020. It could have been his age, his relatively “down” season in 2019, or his steadfast commitment to Carr. Regardless, Gruden is no longer with the Raiders and there is no guarantee they would have added another Super Bowl with Brady.