LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher, Maxx Crosby’s future in Las Vegas appears in jeopardy following a breakdown in communication regarding his late-season injury management.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ franchise player is reportedly on the trading block, with the organization seeking a massive return of "a couple first-round picks and a player," comparing the potential move to the Micah Parsons trade talks, despite Crosby being three years older.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Crosby began "looking around" at other opportunities after the Raiders shut him down for the final two games to address a knee injury - a move Albert Breer called "creative roster management" to secure a higher draft pick.
Among those discussing the situation was former Raiders GM Mike Mayock, who couldn't hide his perspective on Crosby’s desire to win. On Monday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, he said:
"I want him to finish up like Chris Long did," Mayock said, recognizing the path of the former Rams star who left a struggling team to win Super Bowls with New England and Philadelphia.
Crosby’s potential exit comes as the team enters a rebuilding phase under current leadership, expected to select a quarterback, potentially Fernando Mendoza, with the first overall pick.
The trade market heated up during the NFL Combine, with the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Philadelphia Eagles emerging as aggressive suitors. The Bears reportedly expressed significant interest in pairing Crosby with Montez Sweat, while the Patriots could prioritize him over other targets.
When will Raiders fans see a resolution to the Maxx Crosby saga?
The NFL Draft serves as the likely deadline, and Albert Breer predicts a move could happen "this week or early next week," as the Raiders prefer draft compensation to aid their rebuilding efforts toward the 2027 season.
"I think they're going to trade him,” said Breer, during an appearance on the podcast of The MMQB. “But I don't think that they're going to be backed into a corner to do it. I think he probably gets traded this week [or] early next week, I think, but like again, like there's so many moving parts here, and I just look at it like I think".
General Manager John Spytek reportedly maintains good communication with Crosby, and the team promoted Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator to help maintain stability, but the door is now open for a blockbuster move.
So paired with a contender, he hopes to compete for a Super Bowl immediately. The Bears and Eagles add depth and intrigue as logical landing spots for the veteran.
But the real test begins at the negotiation table, where Maxx Crosby’s departure could provide the Raiders with a major boost in draft capital for 2026.