Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during an NFL football combine training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. Vrabel and Brady were teammates when Vrabel played for the Patriots. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
INDIANAPOLIS — In one fell swoop, Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock told reporters he was “very happy” with Derek Carr, boosting his current quarterback’s play. A few minutes later, Mayock informed the crowd around his podium that every position is evaluated every year and that “if we can improve, we will.”
At least that’s what Mayock keeps telling Raiders owner Mark Davis. That’s his mantra. If there’s an upgrade, it’s everywhere.
Does this sound like a team that might be interested in future free agent Tom Brady?
After it was reported that the Raiders were willing to offer the GOAT a two-year, $60 million contract, Mayock was naturally a target for all the Brady Hounds gathered at the NFL Scouting Combine. But he was not alone. There were many other targets; namely the Titans, Chargers, Buccaneers, Colts and many others. Everyone has had the Brady question.
Of course, there have been plenty of dodges, since Brady is technically still owned by the Patriots. But there was also a lot of reading between the lines with many answers given.
And then there was Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians. When asked for examples of NFL quarterbacks he would answer the phone for in free agency, there was no hesitation. He replied: “Tom Brady, Philip (Rivers) is another guy. We will see.”
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, who got his start in the Patriots organization, told reporters the team was not opposed to signing starter Jameis Winston. He didn’t seem convinced by the idea either.
“It’s not like we don’t like Jameis. We love Jameis. We must prepare for every scenario. This is a unique year. There are a lot of experienced quarterbacks who could potentially become free agents,” Licht said. “We won’t know for a while: what will happen, who will be available. We just don’t know. We just have to prepare for every scenario.
“And Jameis is one of those scenarios, one of those options. We think we can win with Jameis. . . he needs to improve in some areas, but he has improved in others.
If it’s not Winston, the Bucs are ready to move forward.
“We talked about it,” Licht added. “I feel pretty good about our plan, whatever it is.”
The Titans?
There was little movement toward signing free agent Ryan Tannehill, who took over the starting job midway through the season and led the team to the AFC Championship Game. He’s a free agent, and while the Titans aren’t opposed to his return, they don’t really seem locked in.
“We’ll see how it goes.” His contract is over. So we’ll have those contract negotiations with a lot of our players,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said when asked if he envisions Tannehill being the starter. “Like I said, I want to try to keep as many of these guys on the team as possible. But the Titans of 2020 will be different from the Titans of 2019. That’s how it is.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel, meanwhile, had fun with all of Brady’s questions. This should come as no surprise.
Asked about all the talk about whether Brady would be a great fit for his team, if the GOAT moves on, Vrabel turned to the questioner: “Why would you say he would be a great fit?” I’m just curious.”
Answer: Good team. Good offensive line. Good defense. Good coach, one who happens to be good friends with Brady.
So, did he agree that Brady would be a great fit?
“I think when you look at the players that are still under contract, it’s important for us to evaluate each position,” Vrabel said, “but understand that there is a time frame to have those conversations.”
Did Vrabel even pay attention to the rumors?
“No, but Carter does,” Vrabel said, referring to his youngest son, who texted him and asked about all the Brady rumors.
When asked to describe his relationship with Brady, Vrabel cracked: “Undefeated. . . I asked him for a bigger trophy this year.
During joint practices in Nashville, Brady presented his former teammate with a trophy for beating the Patriots the previous year. Now he owes him again, after the Titans’ playoff win over the Pats.
“I’m still waiting for it,” Vrabel said.
Other coaches and general managers weren’t as amused by the questions.
Giants head coach Joe Judge, former Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach, didn’t bite when asked if Daniel Jones could benefit from being mentored by someone .
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco, meanwhile, insisted they are “very confident in Tyrod Taylor” but added “we’ll look at the whole wideout and see what happens.” .
Colts general manager Chris Ballard?
“I’m not going to comment on Brady, but it’s a great career,” said Ballard, who appears to be looking for an upgrade from Jacoby Brissett.
As for the free agent quarterback market, Ballard finally got to the heart of the matter: “It’s the most coveted position in this league. You have to have good play at the quarterback position for sustained success. That’s the nature of the league we play in.
Could anyone imagine Brady in a different uniform than the one he’s worn for the past 20 years and won six Super Bowls?
“I know that with a lot of people, he will do what’s best for him and his family,” Vrabel said. “Whatever it is, I’m not sure.”
