Maxx Crosby’s private ultimatum to Tom Brady could trigger blockbuster trade

The future of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has become the center of a burgeoning NFL firestorm following explosive reports regarding his status with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Between a massive trade proposal involving the Los Angeles Rams and a reported ultimatum delivered to team ownership, Mad Maxx may have played his last snap in the Silver and Black.

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Here is the breakdown of the current situation surrounding Crosby.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk, the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders has reached a breaking point.

NFL insider Jay Glazer initially reported that Crosby is “done” with the team, but a new wrinkle from Jason La Canfora suggests the situation is even more dire.

An unnamed general manager reportedly claimed that Crosby directly communicated his intentions to Raiders minority owner Tom Brady.

The message was blunt: Crosby will never play for the Raiders again.

The report even suggests that Crosby told the organization he would choose retirement over returning to the field for Las Vegas.

“He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again,” the unnamed G.M. said.

“That’s a fact. He told them he’ll retire before he ever plays for them again. But I’m not sure they’re actually going to trade him. Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.”

So what caused the rift?

While the Raiders’ history of losing and coaching turnover has been a constant backdrop, the final straw was reportedly the team’s decision to place Crosby on injured reserve for the final two games of the 2025 season.

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Crosby, known for his relentless motor and pride in playing through injury, was allegedly furious at being sidelined. Many analysts believe the move was a strategic tanking effort by the Raiders to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a mission they accomplished, though potentially at the cost of their best player.

As rumors of Crosby’s dissatisfaction spread, analysts have begun crafting hypothetical scenarios to get the three-time Pro Bowler into a winning environment.

One of the most prominent proposals, presented by Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, sends Crosby to the Rams.

Moton floated several hypothetical landing spots for Crosby, including a blockbuster scenario involving Sean McVay‘s squad.

In Moton’s proposal, Los Angeles would send its 2026 No. 29 overall pick, a 2027 first-rounder, and edge rusher Byron Young in exchange for Crosby and a 2027 third-round pick. The framework mirrors the package the Green Bay Packers dealt to the Dallas Cowboys to acquire Micah Parsons during the 2025 offseason.

With Matthew Stafford recently announcing his return for an 18th season, the Rams are in win-now mode. Pairing Crosby with 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse would create arguably the most terrifying pass-rushing duo in the NFL.

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Despite the high price tag, Crosby is currently on a $106.5 million contract, the Rams have shown a historical willingness to trade draft capital for proven superstars.

As for the Silver and Black, they find themselves at a crossroads.

On one hand, they own the No. 1 overall pick (widely expected to be used on a franchise quarterback such as Fernando Mendoza) and have already ushered in a new era by hiring Klint Kubiak as head coach.

Moving Crosby would almost certainly bring back a massive haul, and for a roster riddled with holes across the board, that kind of infusion of assets could be badly needed.

On the other hand, their locker room leader and defensive identity is reportedly refusing to play.

While some insiders, including Glazer, expect at least 20 teams to inquire about Crosby, the Raiders may try to “throw money at the problem” or convince him to stay for the new era. However, if the reports of his conversation with Brady are accurate, a change of scenery may be the only resolution.

Crosby has been the heart and soul of the Raiders for the last half-decade, but the “darkness” he often speaks of seems to have turned toward the organization itself.

Whether he lands with a contender like the Rams or forces his way elsewhere, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be defined by where the league’s most relentless pass rusher ends up.

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