Despite ongoing rumors of a parting between Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders following a disappointing season, running into 2024, linebacker Ashton Jeanty firmly believes Crosby will stay with the team. The speculation about Crosby’s departure intensified after the Raiders decided to rest him in the regular-season finale, stirring concerns about the defense’s outlook.
Crosby, recognized as one of the team’s few consistent standouts across several underwhelming years, continues to fuel discussions about his future with the franchise amid the Raiders’ struggles to contend.
Ashton Jeanty Challenges Speculation Surrounding Crosby’s Possible Trade
Maxx Crosby, who will be 29 years old at the start of the upcoming season, has appeared in only one playoff game during his tenure, a situation many find frustrating given his high performance. Over the past four years, Crosby has averaged over 11 sacks per season, yet the Raiders’ lack of progress has led many insiders to suggest that he may seek a trade to join a more competitive team.
When approached by Kay Adams of Up & Adams about these rumors, Jeanty expressed strong confidence that Crosby would remain in Las Vegas, highlighting both his unique skill set and leadership qualities.
No, I couldn’t [imagine Crosby leaving the Raiders],
Jeanty told Adams.
He’s just a special player, man, and I think he’s a special person, too. The energy and the mindset that he brings, he was one of the first people to text me when I got drafted.
I’ll never forget what he told me. He said, ‘Don’t wait to lead.’ That resonated with me because as a leader, you think you’ve got to be a certain age or you’ve got to be a certain type of player, but it doesn’t matter who you are.
Raiders’ Recent Struggles Heighten the Importance of Crosby’s Role
The Raiders concluded the season with the worst record in the NFL, earning the top pick in the forthcoming draft. Despite the team’s overall difficulties, Crosby managed to record 10 sacks and 73 tackles, ranking second behind Myles Garrett in PFSN’s Edge Impact Metric.
Given Crosby’s critical contributions, his departure would represent a significant loss, possibly triggering a comprehensive rebuild of the franchise’s defense.
He’s the heart of the defense, so obviously making plays for us time after time,
Jeanty remarked.
We would definitely, in my opinion, lose a lot if he were gone. He can’t go. He’s got to stay.
Crosby’s Market Value and What Lies Ahead for the Raiders
If made available, Crosby would undoubtedly attract considerable attention in the trade market due to his consistent performance. Over seven years with the Raiders, he has averaged 10 sacks and 21 tackles for loss per season, standing out on a defense that has often ranked near the bottom in the NFL.
Currently in his prime, Crosby represents a valuable asset. While trading him could yield multiple first-round draft picks and help rebuild the team’s defense, the Raiders have so far appeared reluctant to pursue that path. The franchise’s top draft selection is expected to be quarterback Fernando Mendoza, focusing on offensive improvements.
Whether Crosby ultimately presses for a move or recommits to the Raiders remains to be seen, but his future will significantly influence the franchise’s direction in the coming years.
Raisers RB Ashton Jeanty REACTS to reports of Maxx Crosby leaving Vegas 👀 @AshtonJeanty2 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/7UTUGMzu5H
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 5, 2026
