Raiders, Maxx Crosby saga reportedly nearing its end

Ever since the Las Vegas Raiders shut star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby down against his wishes in late December due to a knee injury, trade rumors related to his future have hovered over the organization. 

For a piece published on Wednesday, NFL insider Michael Silver of The Athletic noted that Crosby "hasn’t made a stink publicly" regarding whether or not he wants to leave the Raiders. However, it sounds like this saga is closer to its end than its beginning. 

When may Raiders make final Maxx Crosby decision?

"As yet another Raiders coach (newly hired Klint Kubiak) attempts to create a winning culture, he’ll likely do so without the longtime locker-room alpha, who’s expected to be traded in the coming days or weeks," Silver wrote about Crosby.

Earlier this week, a report surfaced claiming that Crosby could be traded before the second Saturday of March arrives. That story linked him with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams. 

Will Tom Brady be somewhat to blame for a Maxx Crosby trade?

It was previously said in February that Crosby told Raiders minority owner Tom Brady at some point this winter that the 28-year-old "will never play for" the franchise again. While Crosby later shared that he has "had a good relationship" with Brady, it seems the 2019 fourth-round draft pick hasn't loved everything that the seven-time Super Bowl champion has brought to the organization. 

"Like many players and coaches, Crosby was frustrated by the presence of Alex Guerrero, a staunch Brady ally whose official title is wellness coordinator," Silver revealed. "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."

Numerous reports have indicated that the Raiders want two first-round draft picks and a starting player in return for Crosby. Silver seemed skeptical that Las Vegas would receive such a haul for the veteran who needed meniscus surgery earlier this offseason, but Silver added that "there’s little doubt that at least some of these suitors value Crosby enough to make [a trade] worth the Raiders’ while."

It sounds like a Crosby trade could become official once the new league year opens at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.