Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Tells Tom Brady He's Done with Team

Crosby reportedly told the Raiders' new minority owner he'll retire before playing for the team again.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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According to an anonymous NFL general manager, Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has told Tom Brady, the team's new minority owner, that he doesn't want to play for the Raiders again and will retire before suiting up for the team. Crosby's comments come after a tumultuous end to the 2025 season, where he was shut down for the final two games due to a knee injury despite wanting to play through it.

Why it matters

Crosby is one of the Raiders' best players, having recorded double-digit sacks in four of his seven NFL seasons. His apparent desire to leave the team creates a major headache for the organization, which is already dealing with the fallout from a disastrous 2025 campaign and the hiring of a new head coach in Klint Kubiak.

The details

Crosby reportedly stormed out of the Raiders' facility after being shut down for the final two games of the 2025 season, saying "I don't give a s--t about the pick" and that his focus is on being "the best defensive end in the world." The Raiders have reportedly been open to trading Crosby, but GM John Spytek said he "embodies what a Raider is" and declined to call him "untradable." However, the team may look to move Crosby after the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

  • In the final weeks of the 2025 NFL season, Crosby was shut down for the Raiders' last two games due to a knee injury.
  • After being shut down, Crosby reportedly stormed out of the Raiders' facility.
  • In the offseason, Crosby reportedly told new Raiders minority owner Tom Brady that he doesn't want to play for the team again and will retire first.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A seventh-year defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has recorded double-digit sacks in four of his NFL seasons.

Tom Brady

The new minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“He told them he'll retire before he ever plays for them again.”

— Anonymous General Manager (SportsBoom.com)

“Yeah, I don't give a s--t about the pick. I don't play for that. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world. That's what I focus on every day.”

— Maxx Crosby (New York Post)

What’s next

The Raiders will have to decide whether to trade Maxx Crosby this offseason, likely after the 2026 NFL Draft in April, or try to repair the relationship with their star defensive end.

The takeaway

Maxx Crosby's apparent desire to leave the Raiders creates a major distraction for the organization as they try to rebound from a disastrous 2025 season and build a winning team under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The Raiders will have to carefully navigate this situation to avoid losing one of their best players.