Tom Brady ‘neglected’ Raiders role as NFL owner warned Fernando Mendoza is doomed without clear fix

Tom Brady might just be one of the busiest people in sports.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion, regarded as the greatest quarterback to ever play the game, still has his fingers in plenty of football pies.

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He will conclude his second season in the booth with Fox on Sunday, when he calls the NFC Championship Game between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

Alongside that role, which will see him paid an incredible $375 million over 10 years, Brady is also a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

He stake in the team was approved in October 2024, and since then, the NFL legend has seen his influence grow.

When the Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll earlier this month, having finished 3-14 to secure the top pick of the 2026 draft, owner Mark Davis noted that Brady would collaborate with general manager John Spytek across all football operations.

“Together, they will guide football decisions with a shared focus on leadership, culture, and alignment with the organization’s long-term vision and goals,” the statement read, adding that the future Hall of Fame QB would have a key role in the head coach search.

However, it seems Las Vegas has been taking a back seat to broadcasting for Brady.

Tom Brady makes candid admission about balancing Raiders-Fox roles

In a recent interview with The Athletic, which took a deep dive into the three-time MVP’s first two years with Fox, he admitted to prioritizing his broadcast preparation.

His role in the Raiders front office is said to be balanced between those TV duties.

“My preparation is very much centered around what I have to do in broadcasting,” Brady told Andrew Marchand.

“I love, obviously, having a chance to be involved with the Raiders. To be a former player and have a minority ownership is like a dream come true.

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“I couldn’t afford to pay to be a general partner. I did very well in my career. It’s awesome to kind of help shape and strategize and be a visionary for a team. I love being involved in football.”

His obligations with Fox, this year, will concluded with Sunday’s NFC title game. Brady will not be calling Super Bowl LX, as NBC has the broadcast rights.

Therefore, he should have a lot more time to spend on the Raiders in the coming weeks and months — and a massive decision is on the horizon.

Las Vegas warned over No. 1 draft pick

Ever since the franchise locked down the top draft selection, there has been constant speculation over who they should take.

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the projected first pick, and would make sense for a team in desperate need of a new signal caller.

However, according to former Raiders CEO Amy Trask, the team should also consider what kind of trade offer they would get for this year’s top selection.

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“If they believe (Mendoza) is the quarterback and if they believe he solves the issue at quarterback, then by all means draft him,” Trask said during an appearance on CBS Sports HQ

“That said, they may wish to explore what they could get in exchange for a first‑round pick.

“And I’m not suggesting they should do so if they believe he is the long‑term solution. But if they are at all quizzical about that, take a look at what you could get for that pick.”

The Raiders have already been warned by franchise legend Derek Carr that improvements must be made to the offensive line if they wish to take Mendoza in the draft.

He will need plenty of help as a rookie, which might not even be in the building yet.

In 2025, Las Vegas gave up 47 sacks — 12 more than any other team — and their O-line was ranked as the worst in the NFL.

They also offered little help to the running game, and the sixth overall pick of last year’s draft, Ashton Jeanty.

“I will note, however, that, irrespective of who the next quarterback is, whether Mendoza or otherwise, this is the team that gave up the most sacks in the league this season and rushed for the fewest yards per game this season,” Trask added.

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“So, whoever your quarterback is, you’ve got to address those two things to best position him to be his best.”

As arguably the greatest signal caller of all-time, Brady will know the importance of the O-line and putting an individual in the best position to win.

His insight as the Raiders head into 2026 will be of utmost importance, and he will no doubt commit plenty of time to the franchise once his Fox broadcast duties are done.

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