Tom Brady did not mince words about the Las Vegas Raiders after a 3-14 2025 season, saying on the Stick to Football podcast that the organization must produce a clear turnaround. As a minority owner and prominent NFL commentator, Brady framed the message as blunt accountability: everyone connected to the team needs to raise their standard.
“I would expect a lot of improvement from where it’s been. Last year, we just underperformed in every area. And it’s everybody’s fault. That’s the reality. There’s nobody who did a good job. … Everybody needs to improve.” — Tom Brady, Stick to Football podcast
Tom Brady’s blunt assessment and why it landed
The comment carries weight because Brady is both a part-owner of the Raiders and a high-profile voice in the NFL. His critique singled out systemic underperformance rather than blaming any single player.
Brady’s call for improvement comes as Las Vegas turns the page on a season that left the franchise with major questions about coaching, roster construction and on-field execution.
How the Raiders fell in 2025
The Raiders finished the 2025 season 3-14, a result that extended a stretch without a winning record and left the franchise without a playoff appearance since 2021. That finish also yielded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
The 3-14 record reflected problems across phases of the roster and staff. Offense and defense both experienced lapses in consistency, while key positions lacked steady production. Brady described that collective underperformance as a fundamental issue that must be addressed.
Offseason moves and roster rebuild
Las Vegas made several notable additions in the offseason as part of a broader reset. The team hired Klint Kubiak as head coach, a move aimed at installing new leadership on the sideline.
With the top choice in the 2026 draft, the Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza, signaling a long-term pivot at the game’s most important position.
The club also added veteran help and competition, signing Kirk Cousins to the quarterback room. Other roster additions listed by the team include Tyler Linderbaum, Quay Walker, Kwity Payne, Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor.
Those moves indicate Las Vegas wants to pair youth at quarterback with experienced pieces who can help stabilize lines and skill groups. The overall approach suggests the front office is prioritizing both competition and clearer accountability in 2026.
What Brady’s comments mean for 2026 expectations
Brady’s public insistence that “everybody needs to improve” sets a high bar for the coming year. For an organization coming off a 3-14 season, expectations from ownership and the public will hinge on visible gains in Week 1 and beyond.
Las Vegas opens the 2026 schedule on Sept. 13 against the Miami Dolphins, a meaningful early test for a reworked roster and a new coaching staff. That matchup will be watched for early signs of progress in execution, discipline and playmaking.
At the roster level, the quarterback competition will be a storyline to monitor. Fernando Mendoza arrives as the top draft choice, while Kirk Cousins brings experience and a bridge option if needed. How the Raiders manage reps, integrate new signings like Tyler Linderbaum and how quickly young players adapt will influence public and internal perceptions of improvement.
Short-term targets for improvement
Based on Brady’s critique and the team’s moves, short-term priorities are straightforward: better fundamentals, fewer mental errors, clearer play accountability and improved performance in key situational football.
Coaching consistency under Klint Kubiak and clearer roles for newcomers could help the Raiders move past a 3-14 outcome. If the team shows steady week-to-week progress, stakeholders may view the offseason changes as a positive reset rather than a crisis response.
Background and context
Since the 2021 season the Raiders have struggled to return to playoff form. The 2025 campaign’s 3-14 mark was severe enough to carry organizational consequences, from leadership changes to top draft positioning.
Brady framed his comments as a reality check rather than a personal attack, emphasizing collective responsibility. That framing matters because it signals ownership-level expectations for measurable improvement from coaches and players alike.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly did Tom Brady say about the Raiders?
On the Stick to Football podcast, Brady said he expected “a lot of improvement” and called last season an across-the-board underperformance. He said the fault was collective and that everyone in the organization needs to raise their standard.
How did the Raiders finish the 2025 season?
The Raiders finished 3-14 in 2025, extending a stretch without a playoff appearance since 2021 and securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft.
Who did the Raiders pick and sign this offseason?
The team used the top pick on quarterback Fernando Mendoza and added veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. Other signings included Tyler Linderbaum, Quay Walker, Kwity Payne, Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor. Klint Kubiak was hired as the new head coach.
For the original reporting and full context of Brady’s remarks, see the Fox News report linked below.
Source: Fox News — Tom Brady gives Raiders harsh ‘reality’ check after the team won only three games in 2025
