Tom Brady reportedly wouldn't have traded Maxx Crosby to the Patriots A blurb from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler highlights a key detail about the Maxx Crosby trade, citing an unnamed source involved in the deal. The source claims the Raiders were unwilling to send Crosby to the Patriots, with the reasoning that “no way Tom [Brady] was sending Maxx to [Mike] Vrabel.” This suggests Brady’s influence over the trade process, as he reportedly blocked the move despite the Patriots’ interest. The quote underscores Brady’s leverage within the Raiders organization, implying he could sway potential trade destinations. It also reflects Brady’s reluctance to aid the team with which he won six Super Bowls, despite the Patriots’ status as a rival in the past. The Ravens, who were significant adversaries during Brady’s time in New England, were considered a viable option for Crosby. However, the unnamed source’s statement suggests Brady had no issue sending Crosby to Baltimore but refused to send him to New England. The Ravens and Patriots remain in the same conference, and both teams would likely compete with the Raiders for playoff positioning if the Raiders become postseason contenders. While Brady’s ability to block the trade is questionable, especially if the Patriots offered more than other teams, the source’s assertion remains clear: Brady would not have sent Crosby to Vrabel and the Patriots. The broader context raises questions about the Raiders’ willingness to engage with the Patriots and Brady’s motivations. Vrabel, Brady’s former teammate and friend, is not a rival in the same way as Bill Belichick, who has no animosity toward Brady. The Patriots even built a Tom Brady statue at Gillette Stadium, symbolizing their respect for him. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the unnamed source’s claim adds intrigue to the situation.#maxx_crosby #raiders #tom_brady #patriots #mike_vrabel
Tom Brady Reportedly Wouldn't Trade Maxx Crosby To Patriots The Las Vegas Raiders, owned in part by Tom Brady, reportedly refused to trade defensive end Maxx Crosby to the New England Patriots, according to sources. Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, allegedly played a key role in keeping the Pro Bowl pass rusher from joining his former team. The decision came after the Raiders sent Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster trade, a move that left the Patriots without a chance to acquire the player. Crosby, a seven-time Pro Bowler with 69.5 sacks in seven seasons with the Raiders, was a top target for the Patriots, who had previously sought him as part of their efforts to bolster their defense. However, Brady’s influence reportedly ensured the Raiders prioritized a different destination for Crosby. Instead, the Raiders traded him to the Ravens for the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and a 2027 first-round selection. This package was deemed too valuable for the Patriots to match, as they held the No. 31 pick in the 2024 draft and lacked the resources to compete with other teams. The Raiders leveraged their position to secure the highest return for Crosby, with multiple teams showing interest. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, were willing to offer the No. 12 pick, a future second-round selection, and a veteran player. However, the Cowboys set a firm limit after trading first- and second-round picks for defensive lineman Quinnen Williams in 2025. The Chicago Bears also expressed interest but were not considered serious contenders in the bidding. Crosby’s move to Baltimore strengthens the Ravens’ defense, providing them with a dominant edge rusher who has consistently recorded at least 20 quarterback hits in five consecutive Pro Bowl seasons.#maxx_crosby #las_vegas_raiders #baltimore_ravens #new_england_patriots #tom_brady
