The Las Vegas Raiders made their move, hiring Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek as their new general manager. For Brandon Brown, the New York Giants’ highly regarded assistant GM, it’s a missed opportunity to step into the spotlight.
But for the Giants, the Raiders’ decision might quietly be a pretty massive win in disguise—or at least the potential for one.
A new leader in Las Vegas: Raiders are finalizing a deal to hire Buccaneers assistant GM John Spytek as their new general manager, per sources. pic.twitter.com/hMkU9eANbJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025
Brown, who’s been on a rocket ship of a career path since joining the Giants in 2022, has shown he’s more than capable of spotting game-changing talent. Case in point: Tyler Nubin. Brown championed the rookie safety throughout last year’s pre-draft process, and that pick already looks like one of the few smart moves in a season full of disasters.
Of course, the downside is clear: the Giants won’t be cashing in on the compensatory third-round picks they’d have received had Brown landed the Raiders gig. Losing out on those picks is a gut punch for a franchise desperate for resources. But keeping a young, fast-rising executive like Brown might end up being even more valuable—assuming, of course, he’s given the room to operate.
Brandon Brown staying is very good for Giants, Joe Schoen
Brandon Brown sticking around gives the Giants some much-needed stability—and maybe a little hope. He’s a proven talent evaluator who’s already left his fingerprints on the roster. Nubin’s rookie season, for example, is a testament to Brown’s eye for players who can make an immediate impact.
But there’s a catch: Joe Schoen. The current GM hasn’t exactly embraced collaboration during his tenure. From questionable free-agent signings to the infamous decision to let Saquon Barkley walk to the Eagles, Schoen has shown a penchant for making high-stakes calls all on his own.
Brown’s voice might be in the room, but is Schoen actually listening?
This is where the potential silver lining lies. If Schoen stumbles through another season and the Giants continue to spiral, John Mara might finally decide it’s time for a change at the top. And when that day comes, Brown should be the obvious choice to take the reins. His resume is impressive, his vision is sharp, and unlike Schoen, he doesn’t seem to be operating in his own silo.
Sure, it’s disappointing to miss out on the two compensatory third-round picks the Giants could have received if Brown had been hired. Those picks would’ve been a massive help for a team with more roster holes than a slice of Swiss cheese.
But there’s something to be said for keeping a talent like Brown in-house, even if it’s under less-than-ideal circumstances.
The real question now is whether the Giants will actually leverage Brown’s expertise—or if Schoen will keep him on the sidelines, metaphorically speaking. If the front office continues to operate as a one-man show, Brown’s presence won’t matter much. But if Schoen learns to trust his team—or is replaced by Brown—the Giants might finally start moving in the right direction.
For now, Brown remains in New York, and while that might feel like a missed opportunity for him personally, it could be exactly what the Giants need—if they’re smart enough to take advantage of it.