It’s one thing to watch the Patriots lose again. It’s another thing to watch them lose to Patriots 2.o. It’s been a rough enough start to the season for New England. But yesterday’s game really hit hard. Even now, a day later, it stings. These former Patriots are now playing For Vegas Raiders and it hurts. See the ones that got away, below.
For the first time is quite a while, it felt like it was a game New England could claim. In the end, yet another upset. That Vegas victory over the Patriots left many of us fans in an oh too familiar state of disappointment. But this time it left us also feeling nostalgic. The presence of all those former Patriots players who now call the silver and black home added insult to injury.
Familiar Faces
The Vegas Raiders are currently a .500 team. Not brilliant, but certainly better than our 1 – 5 Patriots. Vegas’ success is partly attributed to the acquisition of former New England Patriots players. They bring championship experience, work ethic, and professionalism to the desert. It all starts at the top with former New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. As head coach of the Raiders, McDaniels has stacked his team with former teammates from New England.
So, how many former Patriots are now playing for the Raiders? Quite a few. From coaches to the QBs, wide receivers to defensive tackles, these are a few of the ones that got away. Okay, you want names. I’ve got some names for you. THESE former Patriots are now playing for Vegas Raiders and it hurts.
It all just hits too close to home, I guess. As painful as it is for us Patriots fans to see our former stars shining in different colors, it’s a testament to the legacy and winning culture that the Patriots built over two decades. And admittedly, Vegas is not a great team, but they sure look a lot better than the current state of the Patriots.
1. Josh McDaniels- Head coach
Josh McDaniels spent a remarkable 19 seasons with New England, 13 of them as offensive coordinator. Josh is now in his second season as Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. He helped the Patriots win their 6 Super Bowl titles.
Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
2. Jimmy Garoppolo- QB
Drafted by New England in 2014, Jimmy G spent his first 4 seasons as Tom Brady’s backup. He was a member of the Pats for 2 Super Bowl winning teams. He’s now the starting quarterback for Vegas.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is introduced at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on March 17, 2023 (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
3. Brian Hoyer -Backup QB
Quarterback Hoyer was signed by New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent, April 30, 2009. He played for the Pats on and off for 8 seasons as backup QB. He came into yesterday’s game after Jimmy G was injured and pulled off the win.
Brian Hoyer #7 of the Raiders celebrates after his team’s 21-17 win against the Patriots at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images)
4. Jakobi Meyers - WR
Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers is the loss we are really feeling. Signed by the Patriots in 2019 Myers spent his first 4 NFL seasons with New England before they let him go in free agency, this past off season. He signed with Vegas this year. Big loss for the Pats.
Jakobi Meyers #16 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after catching a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images)
5. Adam Butler- DT
Defensive tackle Adam Butler spent his first 4 seasons in New England. Butler was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, May 5, 2017. He left to play a season in Miami before the Raiders signed him.
Bilal Nichols #91 of the Las Vegas Raiders and Adam Butler #69 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after a sack by Butler and Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders, (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
6. DeAndre Carter- WR
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter was signed to the Patriots practice squad in December of 2015. He was released in January of 2016 and re-signed the next day. A few weeks later he was signed to a futures contract with the Pats, and in September he was released again, as part of the final roster cuts.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter #3 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs the ball. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
7. Jakob Johnson -FB
Jakob was on and off with the Patriots from 2019=2021. He’s been in the NFL for 5 seasons, this is his second with the Raiders.
Jakob Johnson #45 of the Raiders looks on prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images)
8. Brandon Bolden -RB
Another Pats’s signing. Running Back Brandon Bolden was signed by New England as an undrafted free agent in May of 2012. They re-signed him a couple of times in 2017 before he went to Miami. Patriots signed him again in 2019 as an unrestricted free agent. The Raiders scooped him up in 2022.
Running back Brandon Bolden #34 of the Las Vegas Raiders walks off the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
9. Danny Amendola- Coaching Assistant
One of New England’s most beloved Championship players is now an assistant coach/returners coach for Las Vegas. The 13 year NFL veteran was a wide receiver and kick returner. He played his longest stint for the Pats from 2013-20017. He earned 2 Super Bowl titles with New England.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Justin Herron-OT
Offensive tackle Justin Herron was elected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round (195th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. After 2 seasons in New England they traded him to the Raiders for a 2024 Draft Pick swap. He signed with Vegas in September of 2022.
Offensive tackle Justin Herron #71 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)