THE Las Vegas Raiders have been undergoing a major rebuild - led by their new part-owner.
The Tom Brady factor already played a massive role in overhauling the struggling franchise behind the scenes.
This week was the biggest test of his pulling power for the Raiders.
His team have been busy in free agency, but the biggest move they made was keeping hold of a star asset.
Pass rusher Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension.
He became the highest paid non-quarterback in doing so until Myles Garrett eclipsed him.
Defense is where the Raiders made the most gains in free agency.
Safety Jeremy Chinn joined from the Washington Commanders.
And linebacker Elandon Roberts made the move over from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the other side of the ball, Las Vegas made an aggressive move in bringing in a new quarterback.
They gave up a third round pick to get Geno Smith from Seattle.
Smith worked with new Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll during their time together with the Seahawks.
He will be joined by a new running back after Raheem Mostert moved over from the Miami Dolphins.
The Raiders had been linked with a trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford before they got Smith.
Brady also moved to bring in a former teammate who he won a Super Bowl with.
Guard Alex Cappa won the Super Bowl with Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in 2021.
And the Raiders will hope the 30-year-old can shore up their offensive line for Smith.
The trade for Smith and the addition of Mostert may have an impact on Las Vegas' plans in the NFL Draft.
They hold the No. 6 overall pick next month in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
With Smith under center, Brady's team may hold off trying to draft a quarterback early on.
Las Vegas is looking for a year of stability and progress after a 4-13 season in 2024.
New head coach Carroll and quarterback Smith bring plenty of experience to the struggling franchise.
And new general manager John Spytek was instrumental in getting Brady to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when he worked there.
