Quick Read
- Tom Brady reportedly blocked the trade of Raiders star Maxx Crosby to the New England Patriots.
- The decision underscores Brady’s growing influence as a Raiders minority owner and his focus on the team’s competitive interests.
- Brady’s move follows recent public distancing from his former team, including his refusal to support the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
LAS VEGAS (Azat TV) – The high-stakes trade of star defensive end Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens has revealed a surprising layer of internal influence, with reports confirming that minority owner Tom Brady played a pivotal role in steering the deal away from his former franchise, the New England Patriots.
Brady’s Strategic Influence on Raiders Personnel Decisions
Following the official announcement that the Raiders sent Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks, reports from ESPN and The Athletic surfaced detailing New England’s interest in the pass-rusher. While the Patriots were among the teams inquiring about a potential acquisition, sources involved in the negotiations stated that a trade to New England was effectively off the table due to Brady’s direct opposition.
An individual involved in the transaction explicitly told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “No way Tom was sending Maxx to [coach Mike] Vrabel.” The decision highlights a growing tension between the seven-time Super Bowl champion’s legacy in New England and his current professional responsibilities as a limited partner in the Las Vegas organization. Although Brady and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel were long-time teammates, the former quarterback appears determined to prioritize the competitive success of the Raiders over his historical ties to his former club.
A Shifting Relationship with New England
The reported block on the Crosby trade serves as the latest indicator that Brady is actively distancing himself from his identity as a New England Patriot. This development follows controversy earlier in 2026, when Brady declined to publicly support the Patriots during their appearance in Super Bowl LX, telling listeners on his Let’s Go! podcast that he had “no dog in the fight.”
The move has sparked conversation across the NFL regarding Brady’s power within the Raiders’ front office. While the Raiders have struggled to reach postseason contention, Brady’s ability to unilaterally strike potential destinations from the trade list suggests he wields significant sway over the team’s long-term roster strategy. Critics and former teammates have noted that this neutral, and at times obstructionist, approach marks a departure from his previous status as the face of the Patriots franchise.
The reported intervention suggests that Brady is intentionally insulating his new organization from bolstering a direct competitor, signaling that his tenure as a Raiders minority owner is defined by a hard-nosed, league-wide competitive strategy rather than sentimentality toward his past in New England.