Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders apparently went to great financial lengths to get Matthew Stafford. But according to a report, the “GOAT” is by no means solely responsible for the quarterback search in Nevada.

Tom Brady also knows setbacks from his playing career in the NFL, but they were relatively rare. Seven Super Bowl victories are proof enough of a career full of ups and downs. But three times, things didn’t go as planned for him in the game of games. Twice against the New York Giants, once against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The “GOAT” has now had to go through this experience in his search for a quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, of which he is co-owner. As “The Athletic” reports, he was supposed to play a decisive role in convincing Matthew Stafford to make a trade to the gambling metropolis.

Meanwhile, the 37-year-old has decided to restructure his contract with the Los Angeles Rams and consequently sees his future with the team with which he won the Super Bowl in 2022. He had previously received permission from the Californians to look for a trade partner.

That is said to have caught the attention of the Raiders for Brady. The franchise would not have given up its first-round draft pick – it is sixth in line – according to the report. If Stafford had been willing to leave, however, a second-round pick would probably have been enough as a bargaining chip.

If an agreement had been reached, the first overall pick of the 2009 draft would have been offered a two-year contract in Las Vegas worth up to $100 million. That would have put Stafford in the region of Lamar Jackson ($52 million per year) or Jalen Hurts ($51 million per year).

Brady met with the coveted veteran while skiing in Montana. However, it is not known what was discussed there.

General manager John Spytek is said to have prioritized Stafford over the presumably available Sam Darnold and other potential free agents. Members of the offensive coaching staff are also said to favor an experienced quarterback. Despite the strong AFC West, the Raiders want to go into win-now mode with head coach Pete Carroll.

Carroll on Brady: “Proud to represent his point of view and way of thinking”

The article also mentions that Carroll and Spytek should by no means be seen as puppets of the influential minority owner, but are very much bringing in their own visions. Otherwise, the coaching legend, at least, would hardly have decided to join the team.

The 73-year-old said of Brady: “He has a very clear vision of how he sees it all and how he wants to influence it wherever he can.” Carroll is “proud to present his point of view and his way of thinking.” And further: “I look forward to making him really proud of what we are about.”

The influence of new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is also described as significant. He has taken the reins at several meetings with the talents at the Combine and has also held a meeting with the offensive staff. While this is not unusual, it underscores the amount of trust Carroll places in the former head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.

Even if it might appear to the outside world that Brady is in charge of the quarterback search, the direction is influenced by five men, writes “The Athletic”: In addition to the NFL legend, there are Carroll, Spytek, Kelly and quarterback coach Greg Olsen. So they all have to cross Stafford off the list now and apparently tackle plan B.

Brady’s ambition will be even more aroused. His teammates know that when he was an active player, he always had an answer for setbacks. And at some point, he was back as the radiant winner.