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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby said quarterback Aaron Rodgers is ready to return with a flourish, and he is hopeful that it comes with the four-time NFL MVP wearing silver and black.

The star pass rusher defended Rodgers Tuesday on own podcast, 'The Rush with Maxx Crosby.'

'First year after an Achilles is one of the hardest things to do,' Crosby said. 'I think with all the doubt, all the negativity around Aaron Rodgers, 'Oh, he needs to retire,' things like that, he's getting cut by the Jets, I think he's going to come back and have a -- I know he's 42 or 41, but I think he's going to have a big year this year, and I hope it's in our town. That would be legendary.'

The Jets informed Rodgers last month that they are moving on without him.

Last season, Rodgers rebounded to start all 17 games but the Jets finished only 5-12. He completed 63.0 percent of his passes for 3,897 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

'I think this year, fully healthy, full offseason, my prediction is he's going to have a great year,' Crosby said.

Rodgers spent 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers before moving on to the Jets. The future Pro Football Hall of Fame member ranks in the top 10 in NFL history in many statistical categories.

He is first in passer rating (102.6), fifth in career touchdown passes (503), and seventh in both pass completions (5,369) and passing yards (62,952).

The Raiders used journeyman Gardner Minshew and second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell last season. New coach Pete Carroll is expected to seek a veteran signal-caller.

--Field Level Media