Troy Aikman comments on Tom Brady potentially playing for the Las Vegas Raiders

Troy Aikman is doing nothing to put out the smoky whispers that suggest Tom Brady may give it another go as quarterback of the Las Vegas Raiders.

The chatter started last week when news broke that the Raiders placed a clause in Jimmy Garoppolo‘s contract that allows the team to nullify the deal if his foot doesn’t heal. Garoppolo signed with the Raiders in March as a free agent. He also had foot surgery that same month. He’s still not healthy, with Garoppolo missing the start of OTAs.

But a good rumor needs more fuel than that. So let’s go with the meanwhile, Brady is buying a minority ownership stake with the Raiders. Could he be a player-owner? See why this story is so delicious? The 45-year-old Brady announced his retirement on Feb. 1. The most he’s done with football is partying with some old NFL teammates on the beach. However, he’s expanded his business holdings. He also bought part of the Las Vegas Aces, the defending WNBA champions.

So Troy Aikman couldn’t help giving his opinion on the latest Tom Brady rumblings. He’s out doing promotional interviews for his new beer, which he called 8. And because he’s part of the Monday Night Football broadcast team, the former Cowboy great is offering his opinion on league issues.

“I don’t want speak for Tom,” the Cowboys Hall of Famer told TMZ Sports. And then he dropped a but:

“I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

Why wouldn’t he rule anything out? Troy Aikman reminds us that Tom Brady is great friends with Raiders coach Josh McDaniels. They worked together with the Patriots for a dozen years. McDaniels was Brady’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Plus, Aikman says that Brady always keeps himself in playing shape.

“I would bet that just nothing is off the table,” Aikman told TMZ, “as far as what may occur during the season or what Tom’s role may be.”

Now, Aikman also is hedging on the issue. He does believe Brady is finished with playing football. The quarterback joins Fox Sports next year. And like Aikman said, Brady will be a minority owner with the Raiders. It’s not clear what his role will be or whether he’ll even want one.

Garoppolo injured his foot in week 13 last fall when he was starting for the 49ers. With Garoppolo on IR, the 49ers turned to rookie Brock Purdy. Garoppolo and San Francisco parted ways and the QB signed with the Raiders. However, Garoppolo flunked his physical and the Raiders inserted a waiver in his deal. Garoppolo then had surgery to correct his foot issue.

So maybe Troy Aikman will be correct about Tom Brady, who just can’t quit the NFL.