Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders landing with the Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft would truly be a match made in Vegas.
It’s the reality that Raiders co-owner Tom Brady dreams of. Last month at the NFL Fall League Meeting in Atlanta, Brady’s bid to become a minority owner of the AFC West franchise was voted through.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion is close with Sanders, who was linked with the Raiders even before Brady was brought into the organization. The New England Patriots icon trained with Sanders at the behest of his father, Colorado head coach – and NFL legend – Deion, and then signed the quarterback to an NIL deal with Brady’s apparel brand in 2022.
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Through nine games for the 7-2 Buffaloes, Sanders has thrown for 2,882 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions as Colorado sit in second place in the Big 12 Conference. He could lead the program into the College Football Playoff mix with strong performances down the stretch.
Without a quarterback of the future on the current roster, the Raiders are widely expected to be eyeing a signal-caller and could have a shot at Sanders. During a Las Vegas Aces game, Raiders owner Mark Davis told the young quarterback: “Who knows? You might be home right now.”
Naturally, Brady would love to bring Sanders to Sin City. However, could Brady – famed for his unrelenting competitive drive – withstand a tanked season to secure a pick high enough to land Sanders?
Quite frankly, the Raiders may not have a choice. With a difficult schedule ahead coming out of the bye against the likes of the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and fully fit Miami Dolphins, Brady may be crossing his fingers that the Raiders do indeed land one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Besides, the Raiders have more visiting fans at their games than their own so a “tank” would not be particularly noticeable.
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As much as Brady would like to bring Sanders to the Raiders, the 22-year-old is also flirting with going to Las Vegas. Back in July, his father Deion told reporters he would be happy with his son going to the Raiders.
“I love what (Antonio Pierce) brings to the table,” Sanders said. “I don’t want him to lose to the point where he can get Shedeur. Let’s get that straight. I don’t want that to happen, I really don’t, but I wouldn’t mind if, some kind of way, it happens that (Shedeur) is here.”
While it remains to be seen if Antonio Pierce will still be the head coach come 2025 given the Raiders are riding a five-game losing streak, rumors are suggesting Sanders could dictate where he wants to play a la Eli Manning and John Elway. The added drama to such a high-profile selection would lead to plenty of media attention, which leads to ticket sales and money.
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The media would also descend into a frenzy if Deion leaves Colorado to either coach the Raiders, potentially ensuring a third chapter with his son after Colorado and Jackson State. Even if the 57-year-old goes to the Dallas Cowboys, it would be newsworthy; a father-son tandem both in the NFL in two separate but incredibly noisy markets.
No matter which way you slice it, Sanders in Las Vegas would be a circus. It would be another show in a city predicated on glamor, bright lights, and glitzy shows. But it could be successful.
One of the best passers in college football, Sanders is accurate on the move and has seemingly toned down some things after being questioned for his outspoken demeanor and work ethic earlier in the season. He expertly navigated pressure, evaded sacks, and has flashed arm talent.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s a match made in heaven between Sanders and the Raiders. Either way, it will make for must-watch drama – just the way Sin City likes it.
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