Former NFL GM approves of Tom Brady’s role in potential Raiders trade for Lions OC Ben Johnson

Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi highlighted Tom Brady’s key role in the Raiders’ pursuit of Ben Johnson. Brady’s championship pedigree could steer the Lions’ offensive coordinator toward Las Vegas.

Lombardi brings decades of NFL front office experience, while Brady recently joined the Raiders as a minority owner. Johnson transformed Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s most potent units as their coordinator.

Lombardi shared insights about Brady’s influence on the Raiders’ coaching search during his appearance Thursday on the “Pat McAfee Show.”

“I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction,” Lombardi said. “I mean, you get a guy who understands what it takes to win, a former player who has reached the highest level of his profession, the best quarterback, the goat. And you get him in there, and you sit in a meeting with him and he knows what it takes to win.”

Lombardi noted Brady’s expertise in team building.

“I’ve talked to Tom many times in the past about building a team, how to scout from the inside out. I think Tom will be great,” he said.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that those “connected to the job” believe Ben Johnson is the front-runner for the Raiders job.

Ben Johnson could reshape the future of the Raiders

The coaching search carries added weight after Las Vegas’ 4-13 season led to the firing of head coach Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco. Pro Football Talk reports that the Raiders have lined up a “huge” contract offer for Johnson, though they still have to satisfy Rooney’s rule requirements for an in-person interview.

Radio host Dan Patrick noted that Brady’s presence increased the Raiders’ appeal to Johnson. The Lions coordinator previously turned down head coaching options, but seems intrigued by working with the NFL legend.

The Raiders have the sixth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could allow Johnson and Brady to choose their quarterback from prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.

Johnson cannot accept any offer until Detroit completes the playoffs. The Lions host Washington in Saturday’s divisional round, and Brady set up the game for Fox. This moment could turn out to be symbolic – Brady could soon witness Johnson’s final game with Detroit potentially welcome him to Las Vegas.