Report: Mark Davis knew Dana White wanted Tom Brady to join Raiders in 2020

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady continues to see his name in headlines for reasons not directly related to his pursuit of an eighth career Super Bowl ring. 

Brady recently enjoyed an 11-day absence away from the club for unspecified "personal reasons" but returned to work Monday and apparently caused no distraction for his employer via his break. The 45-year-old was also a hot topic during this past Saturday's "UFC 278 with The Gronks" ESPN program when UFC boss Dana White explained that he "worked to put that deal together for" both Brady and future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski to join the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 before then-head coach Jon Gruden allegedly "blew the deal up."

Raiders owner Mark Davis seemed to pour cold water over White's claim when he said that the situation was "two to three years ago or something." Davis added: "I don’t know, man. Talk to Dana. I remember that Tom Brady went to Tampa Bay. That’s basically what I remember. I have no idea. Dana has the stories."

Somebody else is now backing White's recollection of the matter. 

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Tuesday morning that "a source with knowledge of the situation" said that "Davis knew exactly what was happening" a couple of years ago. 

"White brokered the deal with both sides — Brady and the Raiders. Davis, per the source, wanted it to happen, at least as it related to Brady. (And, presumably, as to Gronk.) But, as White said, coach Jon Gruden decided at the last minute to kill the deal," Florio continued. 

Of course, Brady never featured for the Raiders, and Gronkowski ultimately ended a one-year retirement to join the G.O.A.T. quarterback and his "best friend" in Florida. The pair later helped the Buccaneers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV. 

As for Davis, he has little reason to publicly admit today he reportedly would've happily moved on from signal-caller Derek Carr to land Brady at some point after the 2019 season. What's done is done, and Carr signed a lucrative extension with the Raiders this offseason.