Tom Brady played key role in preventing Maxx Crosby trade to Patriots, per reports

A blockbuster NFL trade involving Maxx Crosby stunned the league when the Las Vegas Raiders sent the star pass rusher to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for two first-round picks. However, new reports suggest that the New England Patriots may have had little chance of landing Crosby because of one unexpected factor.

Brady, who is now a minority owner of the Raiders, reportedly played a role in preventing a deal that would have sent Crosby to the Patriots. The revelation has sparked fresh discussion across the National Football League about Brady’s influence within the Raiders organization and his evolving relationship with his former team.

Why Tom Brady didn’t want Maxx Crosby joining the Patriots

Reports indicate that the Patriots had shown serious interest in acquiring Crosby as they searched for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season. The star edge rusher had also been linked to several teams across the league during trade discussions.



However, according to an NFL insider familiar with the negotiations, Brady made it clear that he had no interest in sending one of the Raiders’ best defensive players to New England.

The reported reason was tied to Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. Despite Brady and Vrabel being former teammates during their years in New England, sources indicated that Brady did not want to strengthen Vrabel’s roster by giving him an elite pass rusher like Crosby.

In the end, the Ravens stepped in with the most aggressive offer, sending their 2026 and 2027 first-round picks to Las Vegas to complete the trade.

While other teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, had also explored potential deals, Baltimore’s willingness to part with premium draft capital ultimately sealed the agreement.

What this means for the Patriots and Raiders

The Patriots are trying to rebuild their defense around a youthful core, so missing out on Crosby is a setback for them. The organization allegedly wanted to add an experienced pass rusher who could make a difference right away on the defensive front.

Instead, New England is now expected to shift its focus toward other options in free agency and potential trades as it continues shaping the roster under Vrabel’s leadership.



Meanwhile, the Raiders appear fully committed to a long-term rebuild. By trading Crosby, Las Vegas secured two valuable first-round selections that could play a key role in reshaping the team’s future.

The franchise already holds the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, where it is widely expected to target a quarterback to lead the next era of Raiders football.

Brady’s involvement in the Crosby decision also highlights his growing influence behind the scenes in Las Vegas. Although he built his legacy in New England, the seven-time Super Bowl champion now appears focused on helping guide the Raiders’ rebuilding process.

For many NFL fans, this underscores a simple reality that Brady’s priorities have shifted. While he will always be associated with the Patriots, his decisions now reflect the interests of the franchise he helps oversee.



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