Almost a decade ago, Tom Brady went against his team as Bill Belichick revoked Alex Guerrero’s credentials and on-field clearance in New England. Now, that very same wellness coordinator may be the reason why Brady’s top defensive player wants out of Las Vegas.

Reportedly, star defensive edge Maxx Crosby told Brady that he would rather retire than play for the Raiders, leaving only trade as the option. The frustrations may have boiled over from various factors, including the fact that the 28-year-old has played under five head coaches already, but the team has been underperforming. But on Wednesday, The Athletic’s Michael Silver revealed another reason behind his unofficial trade request.

“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 recently noted.

After working for over two decades with Brady as a personal instructor and the TB12 Method, Guerrero was hired by the Raiders in August 2025. However, for Crosby, the biggest frustration with him was about what unfolded on December 27, 2025.

With just two regular-season games remaining, the Raiders put Maxx Crosby on the reserve list. The choice served two purposes: First, Crosby could nurse his nagging knee injury. Second, the team needed another loss to sweep the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The star defensive edge wanted to play and end the season on a positive note. However, he was shown the door. It’s no surprise he stomped out of the training facility. And Alex Guerrero was the primary figure responsible for bringing his season to an early end. But that’s not all.

While Guerrero’s role was wellness coordinator, his influence over the team decisions seems to be much more.

Alex Guerrero ruffles the feathers in yet another NFL franchise

With his long-standing relationship with Brady, there is no doubt that Guerrero may be an informant to him. This is only strengthened by the fact that Brady prefers to wear two hats at the same time, as the minority owner of the Raiders, who was recently given much more power, also wishes to remain an analyst with Fox. For that, he lives in Florida and is rarely able to appear in front of the team in person. Guerrero, as many believe, keeps him informed of all things.

If the lack of trust wasn’t enough, the wellness coordinator regularly attends practices and meetings, warning players about the impending transactions. Reportedly, he also holds the staff members accountable by telling them that if they don’t follow his instructions, their jobs could be in danger. Stirring drama wouldn’t be Guerrero’s first rodeo, though.

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Guerrero has worked with Brady since 2005. However, by 2017, Brady was often reluctant to allow Guerrero to travel with the Patriots on team flights. After a lengthy friction between the two, Belichick revoked Guerrero’s presence with the team. In fact, he was only allowed to train Brady by that point.

When the NFL legend moved to Tampa Bay after frustrations boiled over, Guerrero, too, left New England with him. And when Brady was named the minority owner for the Raiders, just a year down the line, Guerrero became one of the key decisions he took for the Raiders.

With the 48-year-old at the helm, the Raiders finished at the bottom for two consecutive seasons in the AFC West division, and it has continued to fuel Crosby’s growing frustration. While the trading rumors float, Crosby still has multiple years left in his contract.

Crosby’s commitment to the Raiders contrasts with ongoing trade rumors

Crosby has spent a total of seven consecutive seasons with the Las Vegas franchise, becoming a cornerstone of their defense for years. And it is understandable why he hasn’t addressed the trade rumors publicly. There’s no doubt that Crosby loves the Raiders fans. So, breaking their heart at a time when the team might as well not trade him would not sit well. However, it has not stopped others from talking about it.

“He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again,” an unnamed GM told NFL insider Jason LaCanfora. “That’s a fact. He told them he’ll retire before he ever plays for them again. But I’m not sure they’re actually going to trade him. Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.”

At the same time, contrary to the team’s recent records, the 28-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler, winning the honor five consecutive times from 2021 to 2025. As a result, he has been rewarded with contract extensions twice.

His most recent contract extension was on March 5, 2025, when he signed a three-year deal for $106.5 million, turning him into one of the most expensive players on the team. Given his hefty price tag, trading him would not only involve financial cost but also the loss of an elite-level player who is still at his peak.

A trade before or after June 1 could cost the Raiders $5.1 million in dead money. But fueling the rumors was the team’s demand for a Micah Parsons to Green Bay-like trade. If anything, they’re certainly going to get a first-round pick for a name like Crosby.

However, considering the indications, Crosby is likely done with the Raiders, and the team might as well let him go.