Insiders share major Tom Brady, Raiders update

It appears quarterback Tom Brady meant it when he said in February 2023 that he was retiring from playing "for good" this time around. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday that "at long last, Tom Brady is on track to be a limited partner with the Las Vegas Raiders -- and officially close the book on his storied NFL playing career as he transitions to new roles as minority owner and network on-air broadcaster." 

It was reported this past fall that Brady's pending investment in the club had "a lot of problems," including one related to Raiders principal owner Mark Davis offering the seven-time Super Bowl champion signal-caller a stake in the franchise at a "discounted price." 

However, Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico reported this past Thursday that the Brady group, which includes Knighthead Capital co-founder Tom Wagner, recently increased the valuation on the team. 

Specifically, Brady is set to have roughly 7% of the 10% of the Raiders purchased by the group. According to Novy-Williams, the franchise is valued at $5.77B. 

Rapoport and Pelissero indicated that Brady's investment could receive final approval during owners meetings in Orlando that will be held from March 24 through March 27. Such approval should, theoretically, end any talk about Brady ever again taking a meaningful snap during an NFL game. 

It's now known that San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wanted to start Brady over Brock Purdy this season, and some suggested before San Francisco's 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday night that Shanahan could again look for a supposed upgrade at the position as soon as March. 

Rapoport and Pelissero noted that "non-family club employees -- including players -- are not allowed to own equity in teams." 

As for Brady, he is scheduled to replace fan-favorite Greg Olsen as Fox's lead NFL analyst next season via a 10-year deal reportedly worth $375M. Brady revealed in January he has already practiced calling games with Fox lead play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, and there's currently no indication the network plans to feature a three-man booth of Brady, Burkhardt and Olsen. 

Unless a lead analyst job unexpectedly opens elsewhere, Olsen likely will be relegated to Fox's No. 2 analyst role for the 2024 campaign.