Tom Brady comeback precedent already set by NFL as salary cap issue emerges

29 May 2023 , 19:48

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Tom Brady has once again been linked with a sensational return (Image: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Theories Tom Brady could come out retirement for a third time and play for the Las Vegas Raiders have run wild in recent days - but recent history suggests the precedent has already been set.

Brady is awaiting approval from the NFL to become a minority stakeholder in the Raiders, something that's not expected to be an issue. But following injury problems to new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo it's been speculated that Brady could step in if he invests in the team and they find themselves in need of an experienced starter.

There's been two instances in recent history where staff members not on the playing roster have been denied the chance to play at short notice. Brady's case could be viewed differently but due to how the Raiders would likely structure their salary cap to force he situation, the unanimous vote needed from the other 31 teams would be in serious doubt.

Garoppolo's injury sustained at former team San Francisco 49ers is worse than first feared, and surgery was required shortly after the quarterback joined the franchise. If Garoppolo isn't ready for Week One of the 2023 season then back-up Brian Hoyer is a viable alternative.

But there has been speculation that if Garoppolo's injury is more long-term then Brady could make another comeback to fill in for the team he will own a stake in. Brady's minority shareholder interest is under review, but it would be a huge shock to see his approach knocked back.

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Where it does become a problem though is if owners around the league fear he could try and play, finding a cap space loophole in doing so.

After bringing in the likes of Garoppolo, Jakobi Meyers and even Davante Adams from last season, the Raiders' cap is stretched. But Brady could potentially take the bare minimum contract available in order to play due to his expected benefits as a part-owner enabling him to avoid the cap and make money in other ways.

Brady is unlikely to un-retire for a third time (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Having Brady in the team is obviously a huge advantage for the Raiders but doing so without paying for it would likely upset other teams. And for Brady to be given the chance to play as an owner given his status, he'd need a unanimous vote from around the league.

That's unlikely to happen, and the NFL could even put a stop to that themselves anyway. The NFL declined the Denver Broncos the chance to allow an assistant coach to play against the New Orleans Saints in November 2020 after a crisis at quarterback in coronavirus protocols, meaning practice squad receiver Kendall Hinton had to step up.

The NFL were even more strict in 2009 when the Philadelphia Eagles were short on quarterbacks for a training camp. The team asked if one of their coaching interns could play in a preseason game but were rejected.

Brady's introduction back into the NFL feels inevitable, even if it is just as an owner. But it's unlikely to be anything more than that.

Joseph McBride