Two QBs headline potential free agents for Las Vegas Raiders

Free agency begins March 15 at 4 p.m. ET. 

Positional needs for Las Vegas Raiders: QB, CB

The Raiders didn’t capitalize on their 2021 playoff appearance, plummeting to 6-11. But they can turn around thanks to their cap space: $22.3 million, per OverTheCap.com.  Trading Derek Carr or releasing him before Feb. 15 adds $51.6M-$57.2M, so Las Vegas can make a splash. 

Tom Brady, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Will he come back for a 24th season?

“The Raiders believe they are one of three teams he (Brady) would consider,” wrote ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. 

Brady knows the Raiders’ system, having played under Las Vegas head coach Josh McDaniels when the two were in New England.  

Brady is 45, so he’s not a long-term solution, but he can still play. He was third in passing yards last season (4,694). Pairing him with six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams creates a stellar passing attack. 

Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers 

If Brady retires, the Raiders could sign another former New England QB. Garoppolo spent three seasons in New England, where he developed a familiarity with McDaniels’ system. 

Garoppolo’s starting days in San Francisco are likely over after the emergence of rookie Brock Purdy.

Jimmy G is a polarizing player. He has thrown for more than 20 touchdowns once in nine seasons and is injury prone. He last played a full season in 2019. Nevertheless, he’s efficient. Garoppolo has a career passer rating of 99.6, sixth best among active QBs. 

James Bradberry, CB, Philadelphia Eagles 

The Raiders’ primary focus is upgrading QB, but they shouldn’t ignore their pass defense. The unit ranked 29th in the league. If free-agent CBs Anthony Averett and Rock Ya-Sin leave, Las Vegas is left with Nate Hobbs as their top corner. 

Bradberry, 29, can mentor Hobbs. He played under Raiders DC Patrick Graham with the New York Giants, making a Pro Bowl. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2022. 

He possesses savvy pass coverage skills, posting an 80.2 pass-coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus, 11th among CBs.