Tafur also notes that after examining Geno Smith’s recent contract extension through 2027, “the Raiders have a clear out after 2026.” Smith’s team-friendly deal keeps the Raiders in play for a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick, though fantasy managers may be forced to wait a year before drafting said player.

The circumstances under which Brady would be willing to return are about what you’d expect. Brady said if a team in contention were to have lost its quarterback late in a season, he would be open to a return. Now a full year removed from the game and set to begin a broadcasting career this upcoming season; it’s hard to imagine Brady, who will be 47 in August, stepping in after more than a year away to help a hypothetical contender. As Brady also pointed out, he’s hoping to become a minority owner of the Raiders, and he doesn’t know if the league would allow him to return if he were holding a stake in another team.

Brady insists he has retired for the last time. The mere existence of a report like this shows the lengths to which the Jets might go to sign a viable starting quarterback should Zach Wilson play as poorly as he did in 2021 and 2022. Brady, meanwhile, will probably have to deny comeback rumors until his 50s.

Brady's purchase in a minority stake in the Raiders, coupled with Jimmy Garoppolo's foot injury, has once again spurred speculation of Brady returning. Brady squashing rumors of a return has become commonplace since he announced his retirement in February and will likely continue through the remainder of the season. Brady's status will be one to monitor if the Raiders cut ties with Garoppolo this offseason. However, it appears the future hall of famer is intent on staying retired regardless of how many times he's asked.