The Las Vegas Raiders welcomed Klint Kubiak as their new head coach on Tuesday, just two days after he contributed to the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl. With a successful stint as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Kubiak faces new challenges leading the Raiders, who are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft and have over $90 million available for free agency.
Maxx Crosby’s Future Sparks Discussion Amid Team Changes
Beyond draft planning and free agency spending, the Raiders have to address questions about star pass rusher Maxx Crosby’s future. Rumors swirl about whether Crosby wants to leave Las Vegas and whether the team might consider trading one of its top defensive players. At his introductory press conference, Kubiak shared that Crosby was the first player working out in the facility on the day of the announcement and that they had the chance to speak over coffee.
Coach Expresses Desire to Keep Crosby Onboard
Kubiak emphasized Crosby’s significance to the Raiders’ plans moving forward, saying,
We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that,
and added,
He’s one of the best players in the NFL. That’s a no-brainer, to get to work with Maxx and see him continue to have success with this organization.
Conflicting Reports About Crosby’s Commitment to the Team
While Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer has claimed Crosby’s tenure with the Raiders might be ending, NFL Media has recently reported that Crosby hasn’t asked for a trade and is currently in a great place with the team. Glazer previously shared that Crosby was unhappy after the Raiders shut him down last December due to a knee injury, leading the five-time Pro Bowler to question his future with the franchise.
Player Loyalty Amid Team Turmoil
Throughout Super Bowl week, Crosby appeared in interviews wearing Raiders apparel, signaling loyalty to the team that drafted him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft from Eastern Michigan. However, he has endured six head coaches in his seven NFL seasons and has experienced just one winning record with Las Vegas, fueling speculation that he may seek a fresh start elsewhere. The responsibility now falls to Kubiak to convince Crosby that he can steer the Raiders toward sustained success.
Potential Trade Would Be a High-Profile NFL Move
Should the Raiders decide to trade Crosby, it would likely rank alongside the blockbuster trade involving Micah Parsons from last season. Crosby ranks first in tackles for loss (133), fifth in quarterback hits (164), and sixth in sacks (69.5) among active NFL players, playing the most snaps of any defensive lineman at 6,112. His value makes him a central figure in any major transaction discussion.
The Road Ahead for Crosby and the Raiders
The future of Maxx Crosby within the Raiders hinges on Kubiak’s ability to inspire confidence and outline a winning vision. Given Crosby’s talent and impact on defense, retaining him could be pivotal as the Raiders look to leverage their draft capital and free agency resources to rebuild into a contender. How this situation unfolds may shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
Jay Glazer believes Maxx Crosby’s time with the Raiders is over and the price to trade for him will be more than what Micah Parsons went for. 🤯
Micah was traded for two 1st round picks and Kenny Clark. The Bears have to pay a big price tag if they want Maxx.
🎥: @YahooSports pic.twitter.com/3vreEHwR8P
— Bearsszn (@bearszn) February 4, 2026
