Maxx Crosby has been long linked with a trade away from the Raiders, as his relationship with the AFC West franchise breaks down - and one of Tom Brady's close contacts may have played a part
15:08 ET, 04 Mar 2026
Maxx Crosby is set to finally be traded by the Raiders during the 2026 offseason
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Maxx Crosby could finally be traded by the Raiders during the 2026 offseason(Image: Getty Images)
Tom Brady’s Las Vegas Raiders could be forced to trade Maxx Crosby after the star defensive end reportedly fell out with one of his key confidants.
Crosby is widely considered one of the NFL’s top defensive players, but he has been linked with a trade away from the Raiders for some time. The 28-year-old was placed on injured reserve for the final two games of the year as Las Vegas honed in on securing the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they are expected to use on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
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The move was viewed as a tanking strategy by Las Vegas, as holding Crosby out increased their chances of losing. But Crosby was not pleased with that decision, arguing he was healthy enough to play, while rumors have since swirled over his future with the franchise.
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Crosby may also want to taste success now on the field; the Raiders have only reached the playoffs once in his seven-year career. His loyalty to the franchise is wearing thin, and he has reportedly fallen out with Raiders wellness coordinator Alex Guerrero.
Guerrero was reportedly brought into the Raiders organization by Brady in January 2025. He is a holistic body coach, trainer, and co-founder of the TB12 brand alongside Brady, who credits him with helping him sustain his 15-year peak during his illustrious playing days.
According to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, Guerrero was brought to the Raiders by Brady. The alternative health guru regularly attends practices and meetings in his wellness coordinator position, but reportedly “purports to possess significant organizational power, informing players of impending transactions and even indicating to staff members who don’t follow his instructions that their jobs may be at risk.”
Guerrero is deemed as a “direct pipeline” to Brady while the seven-time Super Bowl champion lives in Florida and spends his season working as part of the lead broadcast team for FOX Sports. However, Crosby — as well as other players and figures in Las Vegas — has grown frustrated with Guerrero, per the report.
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Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero worked together for years, putting together the infamous TB12 method
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Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero worked together for years, putting together the infamous TB12 method(Image: Getty Images)
It’s not the first time Guerrero has ruffled feathers within an NFL franchise. He worked closely with the New England Patriots during Brady’s time with the AFC East franchise, and there was substantial friction with management and training staff over his involvement. In December 2017, then-head coach Bill Belichick stripped Guerrero of his team privileges.
Guerrero’s reputation as Brady’s inside man has reportedly created a rift within the Raiders organization, with trust issues paramount. As a result, along with the aforementioned tension surrounding his situation, Crosby wants out of Sin City.
According to prediction market Kalshi, the Chicago Bears have now emerged as a clear frontrunner to trade for Crosby this offseason. Chicago, which took the NFC North title for the first time since 2018 and won a playoff game for the first time since 2010 last season, is the most likely destination for the wantaway superstar defensive end.
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The Bears come in ahead of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers among the favorites to land the five-time Pro Bowler.