Tom Brady Reportedly Refused to Trade Maxx Crosby to Vrabel, Patriots Before Raiders-Ravens Deal

He might be a franchise legend, but Tom Brady wasn't prepared to do any favors for the New England Patriots when it came to a Maxx Crosby trade

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler cited a source who said there was "no way" Brady would green-light a deal involving New England and the star defensive end.

The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly trading Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for a pair of first-round picks.

It's unclear whether the Patriots pursued the veteran sack artist to the extent they were a serious contender.

During an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand (via Conor Ryan of Boston.com), The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported in February that Crosby would've warmed to the possibility.

"Maxx Crosby doesn't seem too happy in Las Vegas," she said. "Is he going to ask for one officially and ask out? Is that a guy? I can tell you, I know he wants to play for Mike Vrabel. He's told me before."

However, Mike Reiss of ESPN reported on March 1 that head coach Mike Vrabel is focusing more on the draft and developing younger players.

"So while the possibility of acquiring the likes of Philadelphia Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby or someone of that ilk is tantalizing to consider, it seemed clear from the combine that the only way the Patriots would be involved in those hypothetical options is if the price is lower than last year's deal for [Micah] Parsons," Reiss said.

The Raiders' return for Crosby is only slightly less than what the Dallas Cowboys got back in the Parsons swap. Dallas acquired two first-rounders plus defensive tackle Kenny Clark.

Rather than influencing where Crosby ultimately landed, Brady's biggest impact in this whole saga may have been more indirect.

Alex Guerrero, Brady's longtime trainer, joined the Raiders as their wellness coordinator last summer. Michael Silver of The Athletic reported on March 4 that Crosby was among the team personnel "frustrated by the presence of [Guerrero]":

"Guerrero, who regularly attends practices and meetings, purports to possess significant organizational power, informing players of impending transactions and even indicating to staff members who don't follow his instructions that their jobs may be at risk.

"Guerrero is perceived to have a direct pipeline to Brady, who lives in Florida and serves as Fox's lead NFL analyst, limiting his in-person presence. Suffice it to say that there are trust issues permeating the Raiders' training facility in Henderson, Nev."

The Raiders' futility is likely the single biggest reason Crosby wanted out of Sin City. He has made one playoff appearance since entering the NFL in 2019, and the Raiders are embarking on another rebuild.

The Ravens had a losing record (8-9) in 2025 but are in a much better position to contend right now.

Based on Silver's reporting, the downstream effects of Brady's minority ownership stake may have had Crosby evaluating all of his options as well.