In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Las Vegas Raiders defensive stalwart Maxx Crosby is leading a one-man recruitment drive to acquire the services of Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson.
The audacious plot, revealed on the 'The Rush' podcast', sees Crosby attempting to construct a defensive wall formidable enough to contain the offensive firepower of AFC heavyweights like Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs and a potential comeback from the legendary Tom Brady.
A Personal Plea for Defensive Dominance
Crosby isn't leaving this to the front office. He's taking matters into his own hands, directly reaching out to the Bengals' Pro Bowl edge rusher. The Raiders' captain believes pairing his own relentless energy with Hendrickson's proven sack production would create one of the most fearsome pass-rushing duos in the entire league.
'I need help', Crosby admitted on the podcast, highlighting his direct message to Hendrickson. 'I'm trying to get Trey. I DM'd him... I need Trey Hendrickson bad. I need another dog across from me.'
The Brady-Mahomes Motivation
The recruitment strategy isn't just about general improvement; it's targeted and specific. Crosby explicitly mentioned the need to counter the twin threats of Patrick Mahomes and the swirling rumours of Tom Brady's potential return to the Raiders, alongside coach Josh McDaniels.
Stopping Mahomes is the primary goal for any AFC contender, but the prospect of a Brady-led Raiders offence adds another layer of urgency to Crosby's mission for defensive reinforcements.
A Long Shot with Major Implications
While the personal appeal from Crosby is a fascinating subplot, landing Hendrickson remains a monumental challenge. The Bengals' defensive ace is coming off a career-best 17.5-sack season and is a cornerstone of their own Super Bowl aspirations. Convincing Cincinnati to part with such a key player would require a staggering trade package.
Nevertheless, Crosby's very public campaign underscores the Raiders' burning desire to elevate their defence and truly compete with the conference's elite. Whether this player-led initiative gains any traction will be one of the most intriguing stories to follow.
