Birmingham City investor Tom Brady set to lose millions as Las Vegas Raiders perform U-turn
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly reluctant to trade Davante Adams and are prepared to keep the wide receiver, which could have financial implications for Tom Brady
The Las Vegas Raiders' reluctance to part with star receiver Davante Adams could potentially disrupt the plans of Birmingham City investor Tom Brady.
The NFL world was buzzing earlier this month when Adams expressed his desire to leave the Raiders. Even with interest from various teams, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reports, there isn't a "phone-is-ringing-off-the-hook interest" in the 31-year-old veteran.
This tepid response might not be about Adams' talent but rather the Raiders' hefty trade demands—they're asking for a second-round draft pick and then some for the six-time Pro Bowler.
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While Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Tua Tagovailoa's comeback, he also discussed the team's future amid Jerry Jones addressing the uncertainties surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, as Dak Prescott takes time for introspection. In a potential trade, the Raiders anticipate any team interested in Adams to also assume the responsibility for his contract.
With NFL executives hesitant to meet the steep conditions, the Raiders seem inclined to keep their key player than trade him for less than they believe he's worth. Each week Adams remains with them, the Raiders pay out £752,000—his weekly gameplaying fee.
To make matters worse, Adams has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury incurred during practice before the Raiders' 20-16 Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns, reports the Mirror.
Adams has shown he's still a force to be reckoned with earlier this season, despite his recent absence. With 18 receptions from 27 targets for 209 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders' first three games, it's clear that the investment in Adams is set to pay off.
Brady, who is reportedly on the cusp of becoming a minority owner of the Raiders, could soon see the financial rewards flowing from his pocket.
ESPN reports that Brady's status as a minority owner is likely to be confirmed at the NFL fall league meeting in Atlanta. The NFL's finance committee has already reviewed Brady's ownership application and will recommend it to all 32 team owners on Tuesday. Approval from just 24 owners is required for the proposal to pass.
Once the deal is sealed, Brady will have secured a 10% stake in the Raiders, a franchise valued by Forbes at £4.7 billion last year. Although initially agreed upon by former NFL quarterback and businessman Tom Wagner and team owner Mark Davis in May, the agreement has been revised after the league's finance committee argued it was being offered at too steep a discount.
Davis conveyed his enthusiasm about Brady's potential involvement with the Raiders during the initial discussions, telling ESPN they had a preliminary agreement pending NFL approval. "We're excited for Tom to join the Raiders," Davis said, highlighting the historic nature of the acquisition: "And it's exciting because he will be just the third player in the history of the National Football League to become an owner."