Tom Brady Offers Unfiltered Take on Raiders Rebuild

Brady shares insights on the challenges of building a winning NFL franchise from the ground up.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 4:37am

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In a recent interview, NFL legend Tom Brady provided an unfiltered perspective on the rebuilding efforts of the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady, who has worked closely with Raiders owner Mark Davis, emphasized the need for patience, resilience, and a collective commitment throughout the organization to achieve long-term success. Brady's comments come as the Raiders are rumored to be targeting former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the upcoming NFL Draft, a move that would require the team and its fans to exercise significant patience as the young signal-caller develops at the professional level.

Why it matters

Brady's insights offer a valuable perspective from an experienced and respected voice in the NFL. As the Raiders embark on a critical rebuild, Brady's emphasis on the importance of organizational alignment, resilience, and a long-term mindset could prove crucial in guiding the franchise back to relevance. Additionally, the potential selection of Mendoza as the Raiders' quarterback of the future further underscores the need for patience and a steadfast commitment to the rebuilding process.

The details

In his comments, Brady highlighted the importance of an entire organization, from ownership to the training staff, working together with discipline and determination to build a winning team. He noted that the Raiders, under new head coach Klint Kubiak and with the return of defensive standout Maxx Crosby, have taken important steps in their rebuild, but still have a long way to go. Brady also praised the potential of Mendoza, the former Indiana quarterback who is rumored to be a target for the Raiders in the upcoming draft, emphasizing the young player's maturity, energy, and passion for the game.

  • On March 21, 2026, Tom Brady was asked about the Raiders' rebuilding efforts.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Tom Brady

A legendary NFL quarterback who has worked closely with Raiders owner Mark Davis and can provide valuable insights on the challenges of building a winning franchise.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, tasked with leading the team's rebuilding efforts.

Maxx Crosby

A defensive standout for the Raiders who is returning to the team after a failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

Fernando Mendoza

A former Indiana Hoosiers quarterback who is rumored to be a target for the Raiders in the upcoming NFL Draft, and who would require significant patience and development as a rookie.

Jalen Nailor

A wide receiver for the Raiders who has spoken positively about the potential of Mendoza as the team's future quarterback.

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What they’re saying

“My career has allowed me to be around amazing people and mentors like Robert Kraft as an owner of a team, and now getting to work with Mark Davis in the role that I'm in, and to see the different ways things are done and how we're evolving and growing.”

— Tom Brady

“[Mendoza is] a football guy. He's a football player. He wants to win. The touch he has on his passes, those accurate passes that he makes, really pops out.”

— Jalen Nailor, Raiders wide receiver

“[Mendoza] came on my radio show at the Super Bowl, and there's one thing that you get an impression of a player and a person. He's got presence about him. That's pretty impressive.”

— Rich Gannon, Former Raiders quarterback

What’s next

The Raiders will have the opportunity to select Fernando Mendoza or another quarterback prospect in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which could be a pivotal moment in the team's rebuilding efforts.

The takeaway

Brady's insights underscore the patience and commitment required to rebuild an NFL franchise from the ground up. As the Raiders embark on this journey, they will need to maintain a long-term vision, foster organizational alignment, and develop young talent like Mendoza, all while weathering the inevitable ups and downs that come with a comprehensive rebuild.