Raiders Hire John Spytek as New GM, Partnering with Tom Brady Again

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have named John Spytek, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ assistant general manager, as their new general manager, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The move marks a significant shift in the Raiders’ front office as they aim to rebuild after a disappointing 4-13 season.

Spytek, 44, brings over two decades of NFL experience to the role, having worked with five different organizations since starting as an operations intern with the Detroit Lions in 2004. He most recently served as the Buccaneers’ assistant GM, where he played a key role in building the team that won Super Bowl LV with Tom Brady in 2021.

The hiring reunites Spytek with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, with whom he shares a long history. The two first crossed paths at the University of Michigan in 1999, where Spytek was a freshman linebacker and Brady was a senior quarterback. They later won a Super Bowl together in Tampa Bay.

Spytek replaces Tom Telesco, who was fired after just one season as the Raiders’ GM. Telesco’s tenure was marked by instability, including the dismissal of head coach Antonio Pierce following the team’s last-place finish in the AFC West.

One of Spytek’s first tasks will be to hire a new head coach to lead the Raiders’ latest rebuild. The team has struggled with consistency, cycling through seven different starting quarterbacks since 2022. Key players like tight end Brock Bowers, a 2024 first-round pick, and defensive end Maxx Crosby remain foundational pieces, but the roster lacks depth.

Spytek’s extensive background in scouting and team building could prove crucial. During his eight seasons with the Buccaneers, he helped construct a roster that reached the playoffs four times and won a championship. His experience in Denver, where he earned another Super Bowl ring, and his time in Cleveland and Philadelphia further bolster his credentials.

The Raiders face a daunting challenge in the competitive AFC West, which features the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. With Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Bo Nix leading their respective teams, the Raiders must address their quarterback situation to remain competitive.

Despite the obstacles, Spytek’s hiring signals a fresh start for the Raiders. ‘He has a wealth of NFL knowledge and experience,’ said one league insider. ‘If anyone can turn this around, it’s him.’