The Athletic’s NFL insider Jeff Howe thinks there’s a chance retired tight end Rob Gronkowski could again catch passes thrown by quarterback Tom Brady during meaningful NFL games.
On Thursday, Howe suggested that the Las Vegas Raiders could turn to Brady as a replacement for Derek Carr. Raiders first-year head coach Josh McDaniels shocked many in the football community when he announced Wednesday that Carr was benched indefinitely. It was later learned the signal-caller received permission to leave the team through the remainder of the season to avoid becoming a distraction.
Brady and Gronkowski played under McDaniels during the coach’s stints as offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. While Gronkowski theoretically can end his retirement and sign with any team at any time, Brady can leave the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent when the new NFL year opens in March 2023.
This isn’t the first time this year that Brady and Gronkowski have been linked with the Raiders. It was reported this past summer that Raiders owner Mark Davis was interested in acquiring the pair of former New England teammates following the 2019 season before then-head coach Jon Gruden allegedly “blew the deal up.”
Brady ultimately signed with the Buccaneers and was later joined by Gronkowski in Florida. They helped Tampa Bay defeat the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV.
Howe speculated that Brady would enjoy playing in a McDaniels system that features All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
Howe also pointed out the Raiders should have “somewhere around $60 million in cap space once they unload Carr,” perhaps within three days after Super Bowl LVII. Such funds presumably would help Las Vegas pay Brady, Gronkowski and other talent needed to turn the club into an immediate contender.
On Sunday, Brady and the 7-8 Buccaneers can clinch the NFC South title with a home victory over the 6-9 Carolina Panthers.
