The Las Vegas Raiders have faced significant frustration following their disappointing 3-14 record this season, intensified by star defensive end Maxx Crosby missing the last two games due to a lingering knee injury. Crosby’s discontent culminated in him walking out of the team’s facility, a reaction reflecting broader unrest within the organization as trade rumors swirl around the 28-year-old standout.
According to a report by The Athletic, much of the discord centers on Alex Guerrero, the Raiders’ wellness coordinator and close associate of minority owner Tom Brady. Guerrero’s presence inside the Raiders’ operations has been a point of contention among players and coaches alike, exacerbating tension at the team’s training facility.
Wellness Coordinator’s Role Sparks Internal Discord
Mike Silver of The Athletic highlighted that Crosby, like many others on the Raiders, found Guerrero’s involvement frustrating. The wellness expert, known for his work with Brady’s TB12 program, is said to attend practices and meetings regularly, positioning himself as a figure of authority within the organization.
Silver reported,
“… 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.”
This authoritative role has reportedly caused unease among the Raiders’ personnel.
The Athletic also noted that Guerrero is
“perceived to have a direct pipeline”
to Tom Brady, who primarily follows team activities remotely from Florida, reducing his physical presence at the Raiders’ facility. This dynamic has contributed to trust issues permeating the organization, affecting team cohesion and morale.
History of Conflict Involving Guerrero
Guerrero’s controversial reputation is not new. During Tom Brady’s tenure with the New England Patriots, Guerrero clashed with then-head coach Bill Belichick. In 2017, The Boston Globe reported that Belichick revoked Guerrero’s credentials and barred his on-field access, reflecting long-standing tensions associated with Guerrero’s involvement in professional football teams.
Maxx Crosby’s Performance and Prospects Amid Uncertainty
Maxx Crosby has been a consistent and impactful presence for the Raiders since being drafted in the fourth round out of Eastern Michigan in 2019. Despite his success—including 10 sacks and an interception over 15 games this season—his tenure with the Raiders is now uncertain amid the team’s rebuilding efforts under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak and likely new quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Sources indicate the Raiders are prepared to trade Crosby, possibly as soon as this week, as they seek substantial returns. Several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams, are said to be monitoring Crosby’s availability closely.
Chicago currently holds favorable odds to acquire Crosby. The Raiders reportedly aim to receive a package comparable to the deal Dallas negotiated with Green Bay for Micah Parsons last summer, which involved two first-round draft picks and a high-caliber player such as Pro Bowler Kenny Clark.
Implications for the Raiders and Wider NFL Landscape
The potential departure of Maxx Crosby signifies a pivotal moment for the Raiders as they attempt to reshape their roster and culture following a difficult season marked by internal frustrations and leadership changes. The evolving role of Horns Guerrero within the organization and his close ties to Tom Brady add complexity to the situation, indicating ongoing challenges in the team’s internal dynamics.
How the Raiders address these issues and handle the future of a key player like Crosby will influence their performance and reputation in the coming years. Meanwhile, teams tracking Crosby’s next move may benefit significantly from acquiring one of the league’s top defensive talents.
