A mere appearance from New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady can start a conversation about NFL free agency.
Brady attended UFC 246 in Las Vegas for Conor McGregor’s fight against Cowboy Cerrone. At the match, Brady was spotted chatting with Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis. With Brady scheduled to enter free agency in March, the quarterback’s meeting with Davis appeared notable, at first glance. In truth, the greeting probably wasn’t notable — largely because they aren’t allowed to discuss Brady’s impending free agency, per the NFL’s tampering rules.
So while folks started to freak out on social media about the conversation, it was probably just two NFL influencers exchanging pleasantries.
But if you like a good conspiracy theory, then I’m here for you. Just hours before Davis and Brady met, general manger Mike Mayock was asked about Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who Mayock said had made improvements in his second season under Jon Gruden.
“My job is to evaluate every position and try and make us better. And if I can, I will, and if I can’t, I won’t,” Mayock told The Athletic.
Las Vegas isn’t not in the market for a quarterback.
What’s more, UFC president Dana White, who spent some time with Brady before the match, took time to hype up the quarterback’s connection with the Raiders. White also admitted: “I have no [expletive] idea what I’m talking about here.”
Even though the moment was probably nothing and White’s opinions have little value, NFL fans — particularly in Oakland and Las Vegas — were excited about seeing Davis and Brady together.
Brady will spend the next few months under the microscope until his decision comes.
