Goodfella Maxx Crosby is a Raiders made man

LAS VEGAS -- Maxx Crosby, the star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, is unhappy with the team's decision to put him on injured reserve, ending his 2025 season early due to a knee injury. Crosby had been dealing with the injury since October and had even gotten second opinions from doctors, who said he could play if he could tolerate the pain.

According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, Crosby briefly left the team facility in frustration after the decision. On the "Let's Go!" podcast with Jim Gray, Crosby attributed his desire to play through the injury to his "addictive" mindset and obsession with the sport.

"There's core principles that you gotta live by," Crosby told Gray. "You play to win. You play for your teammates... There's gonna be bumps and bruises." 

Following the benching, Crosby posted Instagram videos of himself jumping on a trampoline and playing basketball with his daughter. NFL insiders interpreted these posts — along with a new photo today of his dog in his home theater featuring a "Goodfellas" print and team colors — as evidence he is physically capable of playing, countering the team's medical narrative.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on "The Pat McAfee Show" Dec. 29 that Crosby requires surgery, noting that while the team aims to protect a franchise asset, the player remains driven to compete.

"Maxx Crosby needs to have knee surgery at some point this season… He's a great football player and wants to keep playing… I think both sides in this particular case believe that they are right," said Schefter.

The move likely secures the Raiders' high chances for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, following a Dec. 28 loss to the New York Giants (3-13) that dropped their record to 2-14. Regarding the draft positioning, Crosby previously said, "I don't give a sh-- about the pick."

The rift has fueled trade speculation

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggested trading Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for receiver Rashod Bateman and two first-round picks. Ravens analyst Kevin Oestreicher liked this idea.

"Adding Crosby to the mix would help the Ravens return to being a legitimate threat in the AFC," per Bleacher Report.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears have also been cited as potential suitors for the $106.5 million star.

Looking toward 2026, the Raiders project between $100 million and $121 million in cap space. Reports have surfaced that the team may part ways with head coach Pete Carroll after a single season. Meanwhile, pundits consider Crosby, rookie tight end Brock Bowers, and running back Ashton Jeanty as the roster's "untouchable" core.

Amid the controversy, Crosby continued his duties, sharing his off-field thoughts through his social media handle.

The Raiders conclude their season in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 4 at Allegiant Stadium.