Bye Maxx, Hello Alex?
From a report on the worsening Maxx Crosby situation:
"Like many players and coaches, Crosby was frustrated by the presence of Alex Guerrero, a staunch Brady ally whose official title is wellness coordinator.
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."
Nothing to see here...right? Right!?
posted by Raider Take at 11:19 AM
50 Comments:
I don't understand. Who is this guy? And wouldn't his presence undermine Klint Kubiak and his control of the team? Is Brady channeling Al Davis? Davis always had moles on the coaching staff and in the locker room.
You all should really look up Gorilla Rilla on Twitter and watch the videos he posted of Maxx winning the Committed to Excellence award for the 5th year in a row, and then listen to Maxx's speech. He's not going anywhere. The "rumors" and "timeline" of Maxx being traded are coming from sources outside the Raiders, not the Raiders.
This report is from Mike Silver, who does nothing but crap on the Raiders organization, and always has. Mike Florio then took it and ran with it as well. Both are garbage.
There is so much bad (false) reporting this time of year. It sucks! Floria is a smart guy but he's also a clown who seems to enjoy dissing the Raiders. I wonder if they removed the comments field so he couldn't be called out anymore. He just gets to push his crap with impunity.
One thing we can be sure, the Raiders were an unmitigated disaster last year, so anything reported that connects last year to this year is completely out of context. Folks in media are pros at that.
Can I ask anyone reading to answer this Q:
Is Crosby so important to the Raiders team and org and he is untouchable? At what price is Crosby expendable?
The price tag being thrown around is (2) 1st round picks and a player. If you're Klint Kubiak, what makes the most sense? I think the Rams have #13 and #29 picks in the first round this year.
I've already stated my position on this matter, and it's not changed. Crosby is a Raider!
I am adamently against trading Crosby because draft picks are such crap shoots and Crospy besides being All Pro brings all the intagibles and is the soul. The package has got to include two 1s of which one of them falss close to top ten. I agree with Nate75, Silver has been a Raider hater forever. HE is a 49er fan. Sandy
I don't think he is untouchable, but why not build around his talent? This is the epitomy of the Raiders the last 2 1/2 decades. They acquire and draft a decent player, but can't build around him, trade him off to rebuild, but then never rebuild; all the while firing coaches every 2 or 3 years like clockwork.
My take is if the Raiders trade Crosby, the team doesn't turn around, and sets us back even further; much like trading Carr. Why trade someone of his caliber when you don't have a replacement? Other teams that are winning consistently (Texans, Chiefs, Doncos, Chargers, Bills, Eagles, Seahawks, 9ers, Ravens, etc) are building around the strong talent they have. Teams that have been consistently losing (Raiders, Browns, Cardinals, Cowboys, Giants, Titans, etc) have consistently traded away their top talent to rebuild, and have been stuck in rebuild mode for awhile.
If Crosby is traded, and it is because of Alex Guerrero (as Mike Silver suggests), then Mark Davis needs to clean house in the Front Office again; or sell the team outright. I've said it once here, and I will say it again, Mark Davis seems more concerned about the Las Vegas Aces than the Raiders. He genuinely seems disinterested in the Raiders.
So much media are reporting a trade will happen, but it makes no sense to me. Crosby is an irreplaceable force on the Raiders, and the Raiders have ample resources (draft and cap space) to make significant improvements immediately. Also, Crosby's contract is being reported as a relative bargain compared to Parsons.
To be sure, trading for draft picks has not benefited the Raiders in recent memory. Draft picks for Jon Gruden-to-the-Bucs were wasted. Picks for Mack and Cooper were mostly wasted. Even going the other direction (trading picks for players) has failed the Raiders.
And let's not pretend John Spytek hit last year's draft out of the park. A bunt single, at best. By trading Crosby for picks, the Raiders are entrusting Spytek to do what he's never done before.
Trading Crosby would be a big net loss for the Raiders. So much media saying it will happen that, if it doesn't, they should all do a lap.
I’m an optimistic guy and I’m buying into Spytek/Kubiak, I like everything I’m hearing.
Having said that, I do have a nagging feeling about Brady’s involvement, and it didn’t start this offseason. I am fine with Mark handing the reins to Tom and Spytek. I’m not as fine with Tom handling it as a part time gig. It is NOT a part time gig.
If he is in charge, it’s an all-in job.
Unfortunately, Brady is a bit of an attention whore. There, I said it. A grown man still posting on Instagram for attention despite everything he's achieved. An announcer flying all over the place during the season to be on TV and cover other teams. An absentee "owner" to go along with the primary incompetent owner. May Klint Kubiak and Spytek somehow rise to the occasion and make all of this right.
Maxx is gone super sad total bs how it ever came to this. Sandy
I am absolutely gutted as a Raiders' fan. Crosby to the Ravens for 2 first round picks this year and next year. I dont understand and am throwing in the towel on this team. Khalil, Amari, Josh Jacobs, Derek Carr, and now Maxx. I will ne around the site to chat it up, but I am done purchasing Raiders and maybe outright supporting them.
And there it is, the last proof for anyone still wondering If the Raiders have hit rock bottom. Maxx Crosby was the heart and soul of the team. IMO, this exceeds departures of Mack, Cooper, Jacobs and Carr. This is more like Marcus Allen or Charles Woodson. Clearly, this closes the door to free agents who might have wanted to join the Raiders to play alongside Crosby... which leaves selfish greed and the Raiders' cap wealth as the only remaining draws to their now soleless and pathetic organization.
Personally, I'd much rather have Crosby than two first round picks from the Ravens, and it's not a close call.
Is it possible that Klint Kubiak was promised authority (a la Lane Kiffin) then got neutered by Brady (who seems to channel Al Davis more and more by the day)? What new HC would ever let go of their best player, a franchise player and future HOF'er like Crosby? Not to mentioned, this move is sure to gut the fan base.
Welcome to the new Raiders! The Tom Brady show, from a broadcast booth near you.
What a sad day for Raiders fans! The guy whose NFL managerial career consists of selecting Cam Miller in the sixth round of last year's draft is now in full charge of the Raiders. Thanks, Tom!
Who's replacing Maxx, Tyree Wilson?
Maybe we've reached a point which the Raiders need to turn to AI (not AL 2.0) to run their organization. AI free agency targets, AI trade suggestions, AI draft board (updated during live draft), AI playcalling, AI everything.
AI has to be better than they've been giving us.
Another scorched earth moment for the Raiders. We've had a few in recent years (Gruden, McDaniels to a degree and now a combination of Carroll/Spytek/Brady). We know Al Davis never took that approach. It was always re-tool for Al. Clearly, the Raiders have failed at both methods.
But now the Raiders have well over $100 million in cap space to spend on free agents (starting tomorrow!). That's obscene. Presumably, they will be overpaying for veteran players, at least one of whom they will need to replace Crosby. Before it's over, they will be buying players for the sake of it just to stay above the mandated salary floor. That's the obscene part. It seemed so unnecessary. They had a ton of cap space before trading Crosby. And with the hodgepodge of players they will acquire, the Raiders will likely want one-year contracts for many, or contracts that allow an easy escape. That may prevent some of the best FAs from signing. It won't be easy.
With Crosby gone, Mendoza is even more anticipated. 2026 is almost certainly a lost season. IMO, there's no chance the Raiders will pull off what the Bears or Pats did last year. But with a head coach who's not turning 78 this year and a QB who won every conceivable college accolade, maybe there is hope for the future.
Unfortunately, the only way this works is if the Raiders make a wide series of smart decisions in free agency and the draft. When has that ever happened? My fear is that the Raiders will miss Crosby in a profound way. Seems so penny-wise and pound-foolish.
What's next, taking the pirate off helmets?
Here's Maxx in his own words.
IMO, the Raiders made a unilateral decision to trade him. Crosby sounds like he wanted to stay.
Here's the URL...
https://x.com/CrosbyMaxx/status/2030395292533813535?s=20
What if they go for the ultimate rebuild and trade the 1 pick to the jets? And get an additional 2 more 1st rounders and a second? I personally am liking the Mendoza pick but the chance rebuild the defence in one go really calls to me. I was watching Derek and his brothers mock draft before they knew tha Maxx was traded and it was interesting their thoughts on things.
My idea on Maxx, he didn’t want another rebuild, fair enough he has hit one of the most tumultuous times in Raiders lore. And I for one would rather not waste his talent, do I have any idea who will replace him, not really but it makes free agency and the draft that more important.
This situation isn’t like the Marcus Allen one, their isn’t someone trying to destroy Maxx’s legacy, it’s quite the opposite they have given him a chance to cement it, it doesn’t sting for us fans any less, but I respect that more and so does Maxx or he wouldn’t talk about when he retires he wants to be a Raider
The Raiders had no choice Maxx wanted to go. How it came to that is messed up but they had to trade him. Sandy
I read it a little differently. Seems after Crosby's initial (emotional) reaction to being sidelined, he remained silent on the trade topic and the Raiders took over.
There's certainly an argument to be made for the Raiders decision to acquire two first round draft picks, but their draft decisions need to be smart, i.e., smarter than they've proven to be in the past.
Raiders now have $127 million to spend on free agents, 11 draft picks this year (including the first pick in most rounds) and an extra first round pick next year. How can they possibly screw that up, right?
Why do I feel like I've seen this movie before?
Free agency legal tampering period starts in about an hour from this post! Which means most teams have already tampered!
From PFT's top-100 list, I would expect the Raiders to acquire at least one of these guys in the top-5. A pro-bowl center would be a great start!
3. Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum.
4. Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd.
5. Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
I know this is a little whiny, but the Raiders have so far only managed to re-sign Eric Stokes at $10M per year (3 yrs). That seems a bit excessive. Meanwhile, the Rams just got two CBs from the Chiefs.
I guess I thought the Raiders would have at least one key free agent already in their grasp and ready to announce at the start of this period.
Please tell me they don't plan to bargain shop free agents again, this time with $127 million at their disposal.
Imagine the savvy they might look to have if they signed Trey Hendrickson right after getting two first round picks for Crosby. Maybe that's a luxury they shouldn't look for yet. Just saying, doesn't there need to be a splash with somebody in the Day 1-2 free agent group?
Boom!
Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum!
That's what I'm talking about!
WR Jalen Nailor three years, $35 million
Wait! What?
That's stupid money for an unproven player.
Raiders are busy throwing money around...
$10M per year for Stokes
$27M per year for Linderbaum (record contract)
$11.67M per year for Nailor
Big overpay for Linderbaum but the Raiders have the cap and probably needed to pay a dysfunctional tax. However, this will help Mendoza develop. They will probably sign some tier 2 defensive guys now see how things develop this year with the draft and then go after more high end D guys in 27 if they are ready to win. A sane plan but they need to hit on the draft picks. Who do you guys like at 14? Sandy
Seems like big "overpay" for everyone they plan to sign. NV has no state income tax, so any salary the Raiders pay is automatically inflated higher than most other markets, particularly, CA and NY.
Now the Raiders just agreed to terms with Colts defensive end Kwity Paye on a three-year, $48 million deal, with $32 million guaranteed.
John Spytek is printing money.
Yes NY, Paye is an overpay as well, I would rather have kept Koonce. I actually like Nailor's potential that may be a bargain when everything is said and done. Sandy
Tough call. Koonce was meh last year after coming back from injury. And paying Nailor 8-digit salary doesn't seem realistic for a guy drafted in the late rounds after his best season with 444 yards. Raiders already have that level WR on their roster.
Raiders had a 100-catch, 1,000-yard, zero-drops WR at their disposal and they traded him for a 4th round pick. He asked for an extension and was turned down. Now they are printing money.
LV is the money tree of the NFL in 2026.
Love Maxx Crosby, but I have always said, rather have an eleven man defense, than a one man defense. Now up to Raiders brass to make it happen.
Signing some starters… you always pay a premium when you sign on the first couple of days, 8 starters roughly, that’s the way to get thing rolling
Raiders transactions today
C Tyler Linderbaum: 3-years, $81M
LB Quay Walker: 3-years, $40.5M
LB Nakobe Dean: 3-years, $36M
WR Jalen Nailor: 3-years, $35M
Kwity Paye: 3-years, $48M
CB Eric Stokes: 3-years, $30M
DE Malcolm Koonce: 1-year, $11M
Trade for CB Taron Johnson
Would be more awesome with Crosby still on roster. Still need a vet QB, and true NT
Nakobe Dean is a dog, love that signing Sandy
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Holy crap, right? For better or for worse (and I don't know which it is for some players), the Raiders activity today was absolutely staggering, unprecedented for the organization... unprecedented for the league!
Raiders appear to be replacing Crosby with a committee approach (they talked about 3-4 defense). Probably not a bad idea considering there are so few players at Crosby's level.
Not that there was any doubt, but the Raiders are all-in on Mendoza. How do I know? They can't even afford to pay a starting FA QB at this point. They shot the moon today by committing over $100M in average annual salaries. They may barely have enough to pay their rookies..,. they may need to restructure some vet contracts.
Something else we learned, Raiders will almost certainly use the #14 pick on a WR. Nailor is a project, at best, and Tucker is the only decent WR on the team. There's no money left to sign a worthy FA WR. QB & WR first round.
I will guess too that they will let Carlson walk. Why pay a K top dollar in a rebuilding season? They have 11 draft picks.
Linderbaum is a transformative player for the Raiders offense. He's the catch of the day and will anchor a line that is far superior to whatever Brennon Carroll was thinking.
Only time will tell if this works, but I can't help but be impressed. Maybe it's genius. Or maybe it's incredibly sloppy and not well planned. Lots of three-year deals and guaranteed monies, which means there's no turning this ship around.
Raiders just played all their cards.
Sorry, I scrambled my thoughts a bit. It's been a crazy thing to watch today.
Two straight seasons of massive turnover.
IMO, right now, the player the Raiders might miss the most is Jakobi Meyers.
Where is Jones? So he can say the NFL doesn’t let the Raiders spend money on top free agents? Or the Raiders never open the purse strings?
I just saw that the Raiders also own a ton of draft capital! This is gonna be interesting
NY your not including the removal of Maxx’s salary that along with the cutting of Geno added a significant amount of clearance on a already league leading amount. And the massive Tyler signing is only 16.6m against the cap this year. There are still QB options out there and they still have money per over the cap.
Crazy, right? Panthers just signed former Raider Kenny Pickett to one-year deal for $7.5M, so I don't know what level of QB we're talking about, but it ain''t much.
There's always a way to sign another player (Al Davis proved that), but we've never seen anything like the this before...
The Raiders reportedly started the day with around $127 million available to them. That included Crosby's salary and whatever Smith had available (Raiders will have dead money toward Smith's contract). They signed a kicker since my last post, so they are now over $100 million in average annual salaries committed to in one day.
On paper, they might have $25 million left, which is still more than some teams. But they also may have the most expensive rookie class based on number of picks (11), having the #1 overall pick (QB), two first round picks, and top pick in almost every round. IDK how much that will cost, but $25M doesn't seem like a lot to have in reserve for rookies and players they will bring in during the season.
Not to mention they don't want to hamstring themselves next year. They are signing a lot of 3-three deals with guarantees. We don't usually see that with incoming regimes, which are more inclined to sign one-year deals or deals which they can easily escape.
This is an all-in or nothing approach the Raiders appear to have taken.
IDK, but I'm pretty sure I can kiss my career as a cap specialist goodbye.
Why are some people saying the Raiders are, "over paying" for their free agents ?
That's the whole idea. Every team is over paying the free agents. That's how the system works. Good for the players, bad for the owners.
I believe the remainder of the Christian Wilkins dead money comes off next year freeing up considerably money. Kyler Murray is still out there and on the league minimum cuz he is getting paid by the cards…
I agree Ghost, it’s what the market value is now, not what it was last year!
NY, this is the explanation I read
Despite spending big on Day 1, the Raiders still have a lot of cap flexibility left. This is due, in part, to the top-51 rule. With rosters expanded to 90 players in the offseason, only the most expensive 51 contracts count against the salary cap.
It also doesn't hurt that the salary cap rose to $301.2 million this offseason.
So the Raiders could still be strong players in FA.
Good point about top 51. I don't know how or if that was factored. This stuff is over my head. I'm just doing simple math. I think overpaying for one or two free agents may be norm for teams every year but building a roster overpaying sounds dubious. Seems the new starting salary is $10M, even for unproven players.
IMO, the hodgepodge of players the Raiders are assembling is likely to be a first iteration of a rebuild and will require shifting players on and off the roster before a truly competitive team is discovered. The type of commitments the Raiders are making suggest they are all-in with just about everyone they recently agreed to terms. Maybe that's good, IDK. Funny, Koonce is only a 1-year deal and he got the smallest pay raise.
I love the strategy so far. Dean and Nailor are going to be good and exceed their contracts. If not I am sure when the fine print comes out we will see that many of these contracts could be off the books in 24 months or less with the exception of Tyler. All the players they signed are 27 or younger so if 50% hit that is good news. What I didn't like is overpaying Kwitty and getting rid of Carlson for Gay. I am hoping they can find an elite OL at 14 and then DL in the second round. Sandy
We were told Bech and Thorton Jr were good. They barely made a dent and both fell far below their draft order. Nailor is far from a proven WR. 4 years in the league and barely over 100 targets. $10M a year for him is the most perplexing deal IMO. Again, that degree of speculation is how we got the WRs we already have.
Sandy, you think OL at #14. I'm betting on WR because it will take a high Round 1 pick to overcome the lack of talent the Raiders have at WR. If they wait, they just end up with another Bech or Thorton Jr.
They might draft the kid from Indiana to pair up with Mendoza... and they could probably trade back a little and pull that off.
I have to say, yesterday was fascinating to watch.
It all comes down to the draft picks and if they can execute on them unlike the las ttime this happened. NY, Makai Lemon at 14 that would be fine with me. Sandy
Raiders trading Geno Smith to the Jets but the Raiders are paying most of his salary. That's quite an indictment against Smith, who the Raiders could have kept to mentor Mendoza but chose to pay him on another team instead.
At this point, Sandy, the draft is ALL that's left. The Raiders shot the moon yesterday in an unprecedented way. It was like watching the end of the Godfather... they took care of all family business.
BTW, I'm not lobbying for the Raiders to draft Mendoza college target at #14. I want the Raiders to pick the best WR available... but I truly believe the #14 pick has to be a WR. That's the weakest position group on the team.
Kubiak will be adding another RB and maybe a FB.
On a side note, I hate that the Chiefs got Walker from the Seahawks. He's too good to play against 2x a year.
Maxx Crosby trade has been voided!!!
Aussie Raider
Raiders can't afford to keep him and they've lost all leverage in getting two 1st round picks. They need a WR with that second pick.
NYR
New emergency take is now up
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