Home / Sports / Brady Mentors Rival Pickett as Raiders Reshape QB Depth
Brady Mentors Rival Pickett as Raiders Reshape QB Depth
28 Aug
Summary
- Tom Brady, Raiders minority owner, now closely involved in team's QB decisions
- Kenny Pickett, once Brady's rival, now backs up Geno Smith in Las Vegas
- Pickett's trade represents a chance to reset after unmet expectations in Pittsburgh
As of August 28th, 2025, Tom Brady's influence on the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback depth has become increasingly visible. The legendary quarterback, now a minority owner of the team, has been closely involved in the recent decisions that have reshaped the Raiders' QB room.
The Raiders' offseason moves have added intrigue to their quarterback dynamic. Earlier this year, they brought in veteran Geno Smith to lead the team under Chip Kelly's offense. However, when backup Aidan O'Connell suffered an injury during the preseason, the front office acted quickly, acquiring former first-round pick Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
This decision holds particular significance because Pickett and Brady share a bit of NFL history. Back in 2022, during Brady's final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pickett, then a rookie starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, led his team to a 20-18 victory over Brady's Buccaneers. The clash between the old guard and the next generation was palpable, with Brady's frustration evident at halftime.
Now, just two years later, Pickett finds himself under Brady's guidance in Las Vegas. The trade represents a chance for Pickett to reset his career, as his time in Pittsburgh and Cleveland never quite matched first-round expectations. In his new role with the Raiders, Pickett will back up Geno Smith and learn the nuances of Kelly's system, ready to step up when called upon.
For Brady, this transition from quarterback to front-office decision-maker continues to unfold in fascinating ways. The fact that he once dismissed Pickett as an opponent now adds an ironic twist to their reunion, as Brady may end up guiding the young QB's journey as part of the Raiders' quarterback room.
