Tom Brady’s growing influence in the Las Vegas Raiders organization is already leading to significant changes, as the team released three players linebacker Amari Burney, defensive tackle Matthew Butler, and wide receiver Justin Marshall in an early roster overhaul. These moves reflect a shift in team culture and performance expectations under Brady’s emerging role.
Tom Brady’s voice shapes Raiders’ new directionThe Raiders waived the players in May 2025, just months after Tom Brady became a minority owner and increased his involvement in football operations. While the team has not officially linked the roster cuts to Brady, insiders indicate his voice is pushing for higher standards and a stronger competitive environment.
The Raiders also parted ways with additional players including wide receivers Tyreik McAllister and Kristian Wilkerson, linebacker Brandon Smith, and offensive lineman Dominic Boyd. These moves reflect the organization’s intent to tighten the roster and raise the overall level of talent and readiness in the locker room.
This roster trimming follows the Raiders’ recent additions of experienced defensive players, including veterans Jaylon Smith and Jonathan Sutherland. The team also signed promising newcomers such as edge rusher Jahfari Harvey, linebacker Wesley Steiner, and wide receivers Ketron Jackson Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith.
These moves highlight a clear effort by the Raiders’ front office now led by head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek to bolster depth and competitiveness across key positions ahead of training camp.
Amari Burney, the Raiders’ 2023 sixth-round pick, showed promise as a versatile linebacker over 24 games but was released to make room for players better suited to the team’s new direction.
Matthew Butler, a 2022 fifth-round pick and respected defensive tackle, appeared in 15 games but was cut as the Raiders overhaul their defensive front.
Wide receiver Justin Marshall, vying for a backup spot, was also let go as the team prioritizes players who can make an immediate impact.
Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner, brings unparalleled leadership and a championship mindset to the franchise. His rising role as a part-owner and advisor is expected to influence roster decisions significantly as the Raiders aim to rebuild a winning culture.
Sources suggest Brady is focused on accountability, discipline, and creating a competitive atmosphere conducive to sustained success.
The team is undergoing broader changes beyond player cuts, including adjustments in coaching and management aimed at revitalizing the franchise. With the AFC West highly competitive, the Raiders are eager to re-establish themselves as playoff contenders.
Though Brady has not publicly commented on the recent roster moves, the early releases signal that the Raiders are serious about aligning personnel with the new culture and expectations he represents. Fans can expect further roster activity as training camp approaches.
Also read: “We don’t own Christmas”: Adam Silver’s response to NFL challenge as NBA holds strong in Christmas Day rivalry
Ultimately, the cuts of Burney, Butler, and Marshall may just be the beginning of a deeper overhaul. With Tom Brady’s influence growing, the Raiders are setting the stage for a new chapter, striving to build a team capable of sustained success under his watch.
Tom Brady’s voice shapes Raiders’ new directionThe Raiders waived the players in May 2025, just months after Tom Brady became a minority owner and increased his involvement in football operations. While the team has not officially linked the roster cuts to Brady, insiders indicate his voice is pushing for higher standards and a stronger competitive environment.
The Raiders also parted ways with additional players including wide receivers Tyreik McAllister and Kristian Wilkerson, linebacker Brandon Smith, and offensive lineman Dominic Boyd. These moves reflect the organization’s intent to tighten the roster and raise the overall level of talent and readiness in the locker room.
This roster trimming follows the Raiders’ recent additions of experienced defensive players, including veterans Jaylon Smith and Jonathan Sutherland. The team also signed promising newcomers such as edge rusher Jahfari Harvey, linebacker Wesley Steiner, and wide receivers Ketron Jackson Jr. and Key’Shawn Smith.
These moves highlight a clear effort by the Raiders’ front office now led by head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek to bolster depth and competitiveness across key positions ahead of training camp.
Amari Burney, the Raiders’ 2023 sixth-round pick, showed promise as a versatile linebacker over 24 games but was released to make room for players better suited to the team’s new direction.
#Raiders officially signed Jaylon Smith while parting ways with LB Amari Burney, DT Matthew Butler, and WRs Tyreik McAllister and Kristian Wilkerson. pic.twitter.com/rSojW3hkqA
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) May 12, 2025
Matthew Butler, a 2022 fifth-round pick and respected defensive tackle, appeared in 15 games but was cut as the Raiders overhaul their defensive front.
Wide receiver Justin Marshall, vying for a backup spot, was also let go as the team prioritizes players who can make an immediate impact.
Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner, brings unparalleled leadership and a championship mindset to the franchise. His rising role as a part-owner and advisor is expected to influence roster decisions significantly as the Raiders aim to rebuild a winning culture.
Sources suggest Brady is focused on accountability, discipline, and creating a competitive atmosphere conducive to sustained success.
The team is undergoing broader changes beyond player cuts, including adjustments in coaching and management aimed at revitalizing the franchise. With the AFC West highly competitive, the Raiders are eager to re-establish themselves as playoff contenders.
Though Brady has not publicly commented on the recent roster moves, the early releases signal that the Raiders are serious about aligning personnel with the new culture and expectations he represents. Fans can expect further roster activity as training camp approaches.
Also read: “We don’t own Christmas”: Adam Silver’s response to NFL challenge as NBA holds strong in Christmas Day rivalry
Ultimately, the cuts of Burney, Butler, and Marshall may just be the beginning of a deeper overhaul. With Tom Brady’s influence growing, the Raiders are setting the stage for a new chapter, striving to build a team capable of sustained success under his watch.
You may also like
Anita Anand, Maninder Sidhu, Ruby Sahota, and Randeep Sarai: Carney names four Indian-origin MPs in his Cabinet. Who are they?
'Voices like Musk highlight concerns': Grok AI malfunctions, links unrelated queries to 'white genocide' in South Africa
Scarlett Johansson says Oscars snubbed 'Avengers: Endgame'
IPL Eases Replacement Rules As Overton, Fraser-McGurk Withdraw
MP May 15 Weather Updates: Thunderstorms and Rain Expected Until May 18; Mercury To Rise After May 20
