"Skip Bayless is an idiot": Tom Brady reportedly denies accusations against him of sabotaging Shedeur Sanders' NFL future

The 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t short of drama, but few storylines caused as much buzz as the unexpected fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Once hyped as a potential first-rounder, the 23-year-old was finally selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144 overall in the fifth round. His dramatic slide shocked fans and analysts alike—and sparked even bigger waves when veteran commentator Skip Bayless implicated NFL legend Tom Brady in the situation.

The Las Vegas Raiders, dealing with an aging quarterback room, were projected by many to pursue a promising signal-caller in the draft. And they did—just not the one everyone expected. With seven opportunities to take Sanders, the Raiders instead went with North Dakota State’s Cam Miller in the sixth round. This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering Brady’s unique connection to Sanders. Back in 2020, Brady had personally mentored the young quarterback and offered words of encouragement regarding his growth and future in the league.

Bayless, never one to shy away from controversy, took to social media to suggest that Brady—now a minority owner of the Raiders—had influenced the team’s decision to bypass Sanders. “It is now pretty clear Tom Brady – who mentored Shedeur – told the Raiders NOT to take him. Duly noted,” Bayless posted on X. The comment instantly ignited debate across the NFL world, with fans and insiders split on the theory.
Adding context to the speculation are Brady’s own past remarks about Sanders. Speaking in 2023, Brady emphasized the importance of guidance and mentorship in a young quarterback’s journey. “I see someone who has a great work ethic but wants the knowledge, too,” Brady had said. “People always ask me, ‘How good do you think this guy is going to be?’ And I always say, it depends on who he surrounds himself with. It depends who mentors him.”
Brady also praised Sanders' commitment to growth. “Naturally, he’s very proactive... then him making the commitment to say ‘all right, this is what I want to do, I’m very serious about it.’ A lot of it is you want to see what their intention is too,” he had stated.

Given such glowing words, the idea that Brady may have actively worked against Sanders’ draft prospects felt jarring to many. But sources close to the situation have firmly refuted the claim. An insider told the Daily Mail, “Tom thinks that Skip Bayless is an idiot for thinking he had anything to do with Shedeur’s downfall in the NFL Draft. Tom has limited say in what players the Raiders pick in the NFL Draft or whomever they sign.”
That source also clarified that the final decisions within the Raiders organization rest firmly with head coach Pete Carroll and owner Mark Davis. “Will they talk to Tom for his advice? Absolutely, but Tom had no sway on getting Shedeur or staying away from him.” The source added that Brady, now involved in media himself, views Bayless’s accusation as nothing more than “stupid banter.”
While the speculation may continue in some corners, the facts seem to suggest otherwise. Brady’s role within the Raiders organization remains largely advisory, and despite the optics of a potential conflict, no credible evidence has emerged to support the idea that he had any role in Sanders’ slide.
What remains undeniable, however, is the weight Tom Brady’s name still carries in NFL circles. Whether as a legendary quarterback, a mentor to future stars, or an executive voice in the league, anything tied to Brady will always attract attention. And as this incident proves, even a perceived shadow of influence can shake up the entire draft narrative.
As for Sanders, being mentored by Brady may still serve him well as he begins his NFL journey with the Browns. With a strong mindset and the right environment, his story is far from over. And as Brady once said, “It depends on who he surrounds himself with.”
Also Read: Is Shedeur Sanders making a financial sacrifice by entering the NFL instead of staying in college?