With Klint Kubiak named the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise embarks on a period of transformation starting in 2026. However, the situation surrounding star defensive end Maxx Crosby complicates the outlook, as rumors indicate the veteran edge rusher may be preparing to leave the team. Crosby’s recent comments about wanting to win and being mentally settled have intensified speculation about his potential exit, posing a crucial decision point for both player and organization.
Crosby, a consistent force since the Raiders drafted him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, has been a standout performer even as the team struggled. His individual accomplishments include five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and an impressive 69.5 career sacks. Yet, during his time in Vegas, the Raiders have maintained a disappointing 46–71 regular season record, making the postseason only once. The contrast between Crosby’s production and the team’s lack of success has created a disconnect exacerbated by the 2025 season’s poor finish of 3–14.
Despite solid personal statistics in 2025—73 total tackles, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, six pass defenses, one interception, and two forced fumbles over 15 games—Crosby was sidelined for the final two games due to a persistent knee injury. This decision reportedly frustrated him, as he wished to continue playing and finish the season. His dissatisfaction, coupled with health concerns and the team’s struggles, fuels the trade rumors which, while not formally acknowledged by Crosby, remain a topic of intense discussion within the NFL community.
Kubiak’s Vision Involves Crosby, But Questions Remain
New head coach Klint Kubiak, who recently led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory, has emphasized Crosby’s importance during his introductory press conference. He praised Crosby’s dedication and skill, expressing optimism about building the team’s future around him. Kubiak noted he had already met with Crosby and appreciated his work ethic, highlighting the defensive end’s early arrival to workouts as a motivating sign.
Despite this optimism, the alignment between the team’s plans and Crosby’s personal goals is not guaranteed to endure. The Raiders face the ongoing challenge of building a competitive roster that can match the ambitions of their star pass rusher. Until the team proves it can contend consistently, Crosby’s future in Las Vegas will remain unsettled. The defender, who is under contract through 2029, appears to be contemplating whether his ambitions can be fulfilled in his current environment or elsewhere.
Behind the Trade Talk: Conversations with Tom Brady and Club Insiders
Trade speculation intensified when reports emerged that Maxx Crosby conveyed to Raiders minority owner Tom Brady that he does not intend to continue playing for Las Vegas. NFL insider Jason La Canfora revealed that Crosby allegedly communicated he would rather retire than suit up again for the Raiders, reinforcing the severity of his dissatisfaction. An anonymous NFL executive echoed these remarks, drawing parallels to prior situations with other top defenders, though noting outcomes don’t always follow initial threats.
He told Tom Brady he will never play for the Raiders again,
That’s a fact. He told them he’ll retire before he ever plays for them again. But I’m not sure they’re actually going to trade him. Myles Garrett said the same thing last year, and we know how that ended up.
The comparison to Myles Garrett’s case, where contract negotiations eventually secured his stay in Cleveland, highlights that financial and contractual factors can still influence Crosby’s path. Unlike Garrett, Crosby’s contract through 2029 provides the Raiders a degree of leverage, implying that money alone might not be the sole factor in any decision to move him.
What Would a Maxx Crosby Trade Entail?
If a trade materializes, the cost for acquiring a player of Crosby’s caliber would be steep. Past benchmarks, such as the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 trade of Micah Parsons, provide context; Dallas exchanged two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark to secure Parsons. Given Crosby’s performance and status, the Raiders would likely pursue a similarly substantial return in draft capital and players.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s future is a major story in NFL circles, and the balance between the Raiders’ rebuilding plans under Kubiak and Crosby’s desire for a winning environment will shape developments in the weeks ahead. Whether negotiations lead to a resolution that retains the star edge rusher or a trade that reshapes the team, this saga carries significant implications for both sides.
Maxx Crosby’s Impact and What Lies Ahead for the Raiders
Crosby’s presence on the field has been a beacon of excellence amid instability in Las Vegas. His career sack totals and individual accolades reflect not just talent but also consistency and effort, making him one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. Losing him would leave a substantial hole in the Raiders’ defense and potentially mark a turning point in the franchise’s trajectory.
The next phase for the Raiders involves navigating this crossroads carefully. Klint Kubiak’s early support indicates a willingness to build around Crosby, but balancing player demands, team goals, and the realities of the NFL business will prove challenging. For Crosby, 2026 may be a pivotal year to find the right environment both mentally and competitively, as he has expressed the desire to focus solely on football while winning at the highest level.
As discussions progress, the broader NFL landscape will watch closely, aware that any move involving Maxx Crosby could trigger a ripple effect across the league’s trade market and roster strategies. The evolving situation underscores the complex interplay of athlete ambition, team rebuilding, and organizational loyalty in professional football.
Maxx Crosby to Jim Gray on Let's Go!: "I have a lot of goals, but I do want to win. That's all that matters ultimately. But I want to be in a place that where mentally I am 100 percent myself. I just want to focus on football. That's truly what I want."https://t.co/WlAI0uO5xO
— Diamond Leung (@diamond83) February 11, 2026
