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‘Retired’ Former Patriots Champ Signs With Tom Brady’s Raiders

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Veteran wide receiver Phillip Dorsett finds himself back in familiar territory, reuniting with head coach Pete Carroll after the Las Vegas Raiders signed him Tuesday, despite his apparent "retirement."

The 32-year-old former first-round pick joins a Raiders organization now partly owned by his former New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady. Contract terms remain undisclosed as Las Vegas bolsters its receiving corps ahead of training camp.

Dorsett's connection to the Raiders runs deeper than most realize. He previously participated in OTAs with the team in 2023 under different leadership but failed to make the final roster. Now, with Carroll at the helm, the veteran receiver gets another opportunity to prove his worth in silver and black.

The timing proves intriguing given Brady's recent involvement with the franchise. NFL owners approved Brady's minority ownership stake in October 2024, making him just the third former player to become a team owner. Brady purchased approximately 10 percent of the organization, creating an interesting dynamic with his former Patriots teammate.

Dorsett's NFL journey has been turbulent since leaving New England after the 2019 season. The Indianapolis Colts' 2015 first-round selection (29th overall) managed just 15 games with the Houston Texans in 2022, starting only four contests. His most recent action came with limited appearances for the Denver Broncos in 2023 before spending time on the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.

Carroll's familiarity with Dorsett stems from their brief overlap with the Seattle Seahawks, where the receiver spent time before his Patriots tenure. That relationship could prove crucial as Dorsett attempts to resurrect a career that peaked during New England's Super Bowl LIII championship run over the Los Angeles Rams.

Whether this reunion produces meaningful results remains uncertain, but Dorsett's experience and Carroll's track record of revitalizing veteran careers suggest potential upside for a Raiders team seeking offensive depth and veteran leadership in their receiving room.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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