The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a prolonged period of uncertainty as they consider the future of standout defensive player Maxx Crosby amid a team rebuild. With Crosby entering his prime years, turning 29 before the 2026 NFL season, the organization must weigh whether they can remain competitive in the AFC over the next two seasons or if trading Crosby for draft assets would better serve their long-term strategy.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport provided the latest insights on February 12, highlighting how Crosby’s recent meniscus repair surgery has complicated trade timing. The injury, though not severe, requires months of recovery, making it unlikely that any trade could occur before Crosby is fully healthy and able to clear a physical exam.
My understanding is this is something I discussed on Super Bowl Sunday, not a rumor, not an innuendo; he did have a meniscus repair, which, although relatively minor, is still measured in months, not weeks,
Rapoport said.
What that means is it’s hard to imagine a team trading for Maxx Crosby without him being fully healthy and able to pass a physical, which probably moves his timeline closer to the draft or maybe before the season.
Rapoport added that the Raiders’ front office has time to navigate this situation carefully, emphasizing the importance of handling matters respectfully given Crosby’s loyalty to the team.
That means if the Las Vegas Raiders want to one, convince Maxx Crosby that he should be able to be back or two, do right by him, which certainly seems to make a lot of sense for Mark Davis to do right by one of their most loyal guys, they have plenty of time to milk and get as much draft capital as they possibly can. This is a rebuilding roster. Trading him makes sense. I just don’t know when or if that’s going to happen.
Trade Discussions Expected to Extend Through Coming Months
Mike Garafolo, another reporter from NFL Network, indicated that the Maxx Crosby trade situation may stretch out over an extended period, with no quick resolutions in sight. Garafolo compared the scenario to Micah Parsons’ trade discussions, suggesting the process is complex and will require careful negotiation between the Raiders and Crosby.
The Raiders have to make their decision first about what they prefer to do, and then have conversations with Maxx Crosby to help potentially facilitate a trade in a way similar to what happened with Micah Parsons. This is a somewhat similar situation,
Garafolo explained on February 12.
He further projected that significant developments might align with events such as the scouting combine and the formal start of the NFL league year, with conversations continuing up to the draft and possibly beyond.
I think it’s going to take a little bit of time before this plays out around the scouting combine, with some conversations closer to the league year. Then, perhaps leading up to the draft, this could be something we’re talking about at length for the next couple of weeks, if not months. Buckle up and sit tight.
Realistic Outlook Emerges on Crosby’s Role in Raiders’ Rebuild
Vic Tafur of The Athletic offered a candid perspective regarding Crosby’s likelihood of remaining with the Raiders beyond this season. Tafur suggested that the team may be better served by capitalizing on draft picks to support a youth movement under new coaching staff rather than retaining Crosby.
At some point it just runs its course, and then you get a fresh start,
Tafur remarked during a February 12 segment on Scoop City.
At this point a bunch of draft picks would be good for the team to get more young talent, and rebuild with this new staff and these new young guys on the team. I think at this point I’d be very surprised if Maxx Crosby were a Raider next year.
The evolving debate over Maxx Crosby’s trade status represents a key crossroads for the Raiders, one that balances respecting a loyal team staple against accelerating a rebuilding phase with fresh talent. How the organization moves forward could significantly influence their competitiveness in the AFC and their strategic direction heading into the next few seasons. This trade drama is likely to dominate conversations well into the NFL’s offseason activities, including the scouting combine and draft period.
From The Insiders with @MikeGarafolo: We break down some of the top free agents, looking at Kenneth Walker, George Pickens, and Trey Hendrickson. pic.twitter.com/VXSYtK0H1n
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2026
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork on the Maxx Crosby situation to watch, as another reboot with the #Raiders is going to be a tough sell to an All-Pro player who’s already been through a few. pic.twitter.com/GgwLXjFmQS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 13, 2026
Will Maxx Crosby get traded?@VicTafur shares his thoughts. pic.twitter.com/mEEbVazPJK
— Scoop City (@ScoopCityShow) February 12, 2026
