Maxx Crosby’s future with the Las Vegas Raiders has become a topic of speculation following his knee injury that sidelined him for the final two regular-season games of 2025. Questions about Crosby’s standing with the team surfaced notably after FOX Sports NFL Reporter Jay Glazer reported doubts regarding the defensive end’s long-term position in Las Vegas.
Speaking candidly on Friday’s episode of The Herd, Crosby addressed these rumors directly, emphasizing his focus on recovery and preparation rather than external chatter.
Crosby’s Response to Ongoing Speculation
Maxx Crosby described his mindset amid the uncertainty surrounding his future, highlighting his commitment to health and work ethic. He explained,
“I know my truth, and when I go to bed at night, I have a smile on my face because I don’t have to explain anything to anybody. I’ve said it over and over again: I’m getting healthy. I’m in the building every single day. I’m in this building before 6 a.m. when it’s dark out, and I am in here until almost 2 o’clock, almost eight hours. I’m putting in straight work, rehabbing, lifting, getting prepared for next season. Like, that’s all that I care about. So, all the noise, it’s news to me sometimes. I got up two days ago, I looked at my phone, and, all of a sudden, now I got a bunch of PR people talking about ‘what Maxx is doing.’ I just laugh because if I address it, then someone’s going to pick apart what I say there. It’s a lose-lose,”
Crosby said about rumors concerning his future with the Raiders.
He went on to declare his focus remains on his own progress, stating,
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m getting healthy. I’m going to be the best version of myself this year, and I’m going to put myself in the best position to do that, and that’s taking care of myself on a daily basis. … I’ll let people do their talking. All I’m about is my actions. Everyone knows what my actions are. I do the same thing every single day, and I’m going to be the hardest worker on the planet every single time.”
Contract Status and Coaching Changes Impacting the Raiders
Crosby’s commitment to the Raiders was reaffirmed last offseason when he signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension, securing his contract through 2029. Despite this, the franchise underwent significant changes, including the dismissal of head coach Pete Carroll after a disappointing 3-14 season.
Las Vegas is reportedly set to bring in Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, signaling a potential shift in strategy and leadership for the team as they aim to rebuild.
Review of Crosby’s 2025 Season Performance
This season, Crosby delivered solid numbers, demonstrating his continued impact as a defensive force. Over 15 games, the five-time Pro Bowler recorded 10.0 sacks, forced two fumbles, defended six passes, intercepted one pass, and totaled 73 tackles. This marked his fourth season with double-digit sacks in his seven-year NFL career.
The Raiders secured their first victory in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, a team that ended the season with a 14-2 record and eventually made it to the AFC Championship.
Crosby Reflects on Former Teammates Now with the Patriots
Crosby shared his respect for the Patriots’ success and the staff that helped elevate them this season.
“That’s a testament [their success this season] to [head coach] Mike Vrabel and that whole staff, [offensive coordinator] Josh McDaniels, [quarterback] Drake Maye. They obviously took a lot of guys from my team, some of my favorite teammates: Robert Spillane, K’Lavon Chaisson, Mack Hollins. Like, all the closest guys that I have are all gone now and in the damn Super Bowl, so it’s dope to see. I’m happy for them … Those are my guys, so I know the type of guys that they brought over there. They’re culture guys, guys that love the game, and they’re going to go out there and do exactly what they need to do,”
Crosby said about the Patriots.
He added insight into the Patriots’ team dynamics and playing style:
“That whole team, you can see they’re all on the same page. They’re not doing anything crazy flashy. They’re not going out there running a bunch of wild, exotic looks. They’re out there executing and not losing the games. They’re taking care of the ball, and they’re playing really good complementary football, and that’s why they’re in the Super Bowl.”
The Patriots’ Remarkable Turnaround and Coaching Background
Josh McDaniels, who returned to the Patriots as offensive coordinator after a brief stint as Raiders head coach in 2022-23, played a key role in New England’s renaissance. McDaniels was dismissed from the Raiders following a 3-5 start in 2023, but his return to New England aligns with the franchise’s renewed success.
The 2025 Patriots feature Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel and 2025 NFL MVP runner-up quarterback Drake Maye. The team ranked second in the NFL for points scored per game (28.8) and third in total yards gained (379.4). Defensively, they were among the top units, ranking fourth in points allowed (18.8) and eighth in yards allowed per game (295.2). Their rise is especially notable following consecutive 4-13 seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Looking Ahead for Crosby and the Raiders
Maxx Crosby remains determined to overcome his injury and prove himself as a critical part of the Raiders’ future despite the turbulence in Las Vegas. With a lucrative contract in place and a fresh coaching regime led by Klint Kubiak, the Raiders are poised for a potential transformation.
How Crosby’s role will evolve within the team’s new direction is a narrative to watch closely, as his work ethic and proven on-field ability position him as a potential cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuild. Meanwhile, Crosby’s observations on the Patriots reflect a broader understanding of team culture and resilience, underscoring his passion for the game amidst uncertainty.
