After it was announced that Jimmy Garoppolo had another surgery on his foot, there are rumours again about a possible comeback of Tom Brady with the Las Vegas Raiders. But that would not be so easy.

A Tom Brady comeback will likely hover over the NFL as a possibility for years to come. In the wake of his plans to buy shares in the Las Vegas Raiders, rumours of a return to the field boiled up again weeks ago.

The rumours were fuelled by the news that starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has undergone further surgery on his foot. He will reportedly sit out until training camp. So far, so timely.

Clause in Garoppolo contract

But what if “Jimmy G” doesn’t get fit in time? What if he drops out again? If the Raiders lose their targeted regular playmaker? Then surely Tom Brady could step in? As ProFootballTalk reports, the Raiders have hedged their bets. According to the report, there is a clause in Garoppolo’s contract that allows the franchise to release the 31-year-old if he injures his foot again.

Theoretically, there could then be a Brady comeback. But it’s not that simple in practice.

First, at least 24 of the 32 team owners must approve the deal between Brady and the Raiders, then the 45-year-old would be a minority owner. A silent partner, with no say in sporting or economic matters.

But as the Las Vegas Review-Journal now reports, according to a league source, it could be that the other owners’ agreement is only on the condition that Brady actually remains an athletic “retiree” and will not play again. That his retirement will stand.

Tom Brady: A few hurdles to a comeback

It’s important to know: A comeback from now on would not even be possible without this condition. Because if Brady wants to make a comeback, as a partner of the Raiders he needs the renewed consent of all owners. Otherwise he would have to sell his shares again in order to be able to celebrate his comeback.

But as the Review-Journal reports, that wouldn’t be all. Because even if Brady were to secure all the necessary approvals to become an owner and player, the source says it would “involve a lot of salary cap issues.”