Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby has told Tom Brady, who now owns a stake in the franchise, that he will not play another down for the team.
Crosby’s frustration has been building for some time.
He was already linked to trade speculation ahead of last season’s deadline, though the Raiders ultimately chose to keep him.
This latest development, however, suggests the situation has escalated well beyond routine tension, even though Crosby remains under contract.
NFL reporter Jason La Canfora reported that the tipping point came late in the regular season, when Crosby was asked to shut things down despite believing he was physically able to continue playing.
“Crosby’s representatives have begun informing high-ranking officials from other NFL teams that the All Pro, livid over being asked to sit out the end of the regular season despite believing he was healthy enough to play, will never suit up for the Raiders again and is intent on playing elsewhere in 2026,” La Canfora wrote.
That message has already circulated around the league, but not everyone is convinced the Las Vegas Raiders will simply comply with Crosby’s wishes.
“However, those same executives, along with others involved in the market for top pass rushers, are not thoroughly convinced that the Raiders will adhere to Crosby’s request and believe the team could ask for more in return for him than other clubs will be willing to part with,” La Canfora added.
A hard stance, but familiar doubts around the league
The most striking detail in the report centres on Crosby’s alleged conversation with Tom Brady, who is part of the ownership group of the Las Vegas Raiders. According to one league executive, Crosby left no room for compromise.
“He told (Raiders owner and future Hall of Fame quarterback) Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again,” one NFL general manager said, per La Canfora.
“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. (Browns pass rusher) Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.”
The reference to Myles Garrett resonates with many around the league. Garrett once made similar declarations about his future in Cleveland, only to remain with the Cleveland Browns once cooler heads prevailed and the realities of contracts and leverage took hold.