Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby is actively seeking an immediate exit from the franchise, with reports confirming his trade demand has intensified in recent days. The situation has escalated to the point where Crosby has made a definitive ultimatum regarding his future with the team.
Trade Demand Gains Momentum
Initial reports from Fox Sports analyst Jay Glazer last week indicated Crosby was planning his departure due to unwillingness to participate in another team rebuild. These sentiments have now solidified into concrete action, with multiple sources confirming Crosby wants out of Las Vegas as soon as possible.
Ultimatum to Team Ownership
An unnamed general manager revealed to SportsBoom's Jason LaCanfora that the 28-year-old pass rusher has already communicated his position directly to Raiders part-owner Tom Brady. "He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again," the GM stated. "That's a fact. He told them he'll retire before he ever plays for them again."
The source added caution about whether the Raiders will actually honor the trade request, drawing parallels to Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett's similar situation last year. "Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up," the GM noted, referencing how Cleveland ultimately retained Garrett through contract negotiations.
Multiple Factors Driving Departure
Crosby's dissatisfaction stems from several key issues beyond just the team's rebuilding plans. Reports indicate he was particularly angered by the Raiders' decision to place him on injured reserve and shut him down for the final two games of the season, a move that appears to have significantly damaged his relationship with the organization.
Preferred Destination Emerges
While multiple teams would likely pursue Crosby in a trade scenario, insiders believe his preferred landing spot is the New England Patriots. The Athletic's Dianna Russini revealed on Boston's 98.5 The Sports Hub radio program that Crosby has expressed this preference directly. "I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel," Russini told the 'Zolak & Bertrand' show. "He's told me before."
This connection makes strategic sense given Vrabel's coaching position with the Patriots and Brady's ownership stake with the Raiders, creating a potential pathway for negotiations between the franchises.
Historical Precedent and Current Reality
The comparison to Myles Garrett's situation provides important context for how these trade demands sometimes resolve. Garrett publicly demanded a trade from the Browns around Super Bowl time last year due to contract issues, but Cleveland ultimately retained their franchise player by reaching a satisfactory agreement.
However, insiders suggest Crosby's case may be different. "Any attempts to keep Crosby in the same manner may just be a lost cause," sources indicate, pointing to the combination of factors driving his departure that extend beyond contractual concerns to fundamental disagreements about team direction and treatment.
The Raiders now face a critical decision about whether to trade one of their most valuable defensive assets or attempt to repair what appears to be a severely damaged relationship with their star player.
