Several teams have been named as possible landing spots for Tom Brady in free agency, but one particular team separated itself from the pack on Sunday.
The Las Vegas Raiders are "poised" to pursue Brady if the New England Patriots don't re-sign him before free agency begins in March, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
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"One of the teams expected to be leading the way if Brady gets to free agency is the Raiders, whose coach, Jon Gruden, is a long-time admirer of the three-time MVP and six-time Super Bowl champion," Schefter writes. "The two have a good relationship, and league sources believe that Gruden, who is known to be a highly effective recruiter, wants Brady on the Raiders."
The Brady-to-Vegas rumors really began swirling when the 42-year-old quarterback was spotted chatting with Raiders owner Mark Davis at UFC 246 last month.
Even if the Raiders really are dead set on making Brady their new QB, they may not have a chance to extend an offer. On Sunday, it was reported the Patriots are prepared to pay Brady an excess of $30 million to stay in New England. Schefter notes the Patriots are "expected to want to have a decision made well before the free-agent signing period begins March 18."
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The Patriots seem dedicated to keeping their beloved QB right where he is. However, it could simply come down to whether Brady desires to go on a free agency tour this spring for the first time in his career.
If that's the case, it looks like the Patriots will have plenty of competition.