Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed on Tuesday his expectation that All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby will remain with the team for the 2026 season, as reported by Kevin Patra of NFL.com. However, this commitment hinges on Crosby’s willingness to stay in Las Vegas following a contentious end to the 2025 season, when he was shut down by the team after suffering a knee injury that required offseason surgery. The situation remains unsettled due to differing perspectives between the player and the organization.
Spytek acknowledged Crosby’s elite status, stating,
“Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them.”
The Raiders have placed a steep trade value on Crosby, reportedly seeking a package comparable to the deal that sent Micah Parsons to Dallas—two first-round picks alongside an impact player—making it uncertain whether any team will agree to such terms. Regardless of the outcome, if Crosby is healthy in 2026, he remains a top defensive lineman choice in IDP fantasy leagues, having earned Pro Bowl honors each season for the past five years and accumulated 52.5 sacks in 78 games during that span.
The Magnitude of Crosby’s Trade Value in the Offseason Market
The question of whether the Raiders will trade Crosby has become one of the most closely watched storylines of the NFL offseason. Insights gained from the NFL scouting combine should provide the Raiders with a clearer perspective on his market value. According to Ted Nguyen of The Athletic, the Raiders desire a trade compensation mirroring the Micah Parsons arrangement—two first-round picks plus a high-impact player. While Parsons is younger, Crosby’s contract is comparatively favorable, ranking sixth in average yearly salary among edge rushers.
During the 2025 season, Crosby showcased his versatility and productivity with 73 total tackles, including 45 solo, 10 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, his first career interception, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles across 15 games before his campaign was cut short due to a meniscus injury. Although he is projected to be ready for Week 1 of 2026, lingering injury concerns may influence trade discussions and player valuation.
Brock Bowers’ Resilience Amid Injury and Optimism for 2026
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers faced a challenging 2025 season, hampered by a knee injury sustained in Week 1 and an ineffective offensive system. Nevertheless, in 12 games, the 23-year-old still managed 64 receptions, 680 yards, and seven touchdowns on 86 targets. Persistent injuries led to Bowers being shut down late in the year and placed on injured reserve. Looking ahead, Bowers is anticipated to be fully healthy for the 2026 season.
The Raiders’ prospects may improve with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza expected to be selected with the number one overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Furthermore, the arrival of former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as the Raiders’ new head coach could enhance offensive schemes. With a healthier Bowers and an upgraded supporting cast, he is poised to regain elite fantasy tight end status moving forward.
Michael Mayer’s Potential Value and Trade Possibilities
Once considered a promising top-10 dynasty tight end after being selected early in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, veteran tight end Michael Mayer’s value has declined across recent seasons. The Raiders, under a new coaching staff now led by Klint Kubiak for the second consecutive year, have faced continued uncertainty about Mayer’s role. Trade rumors persist within dynasty football circles, as managers hope a change of scenery could rejuvenate his career.
Mayer has demonstrated flashes of his talent over three years, including a strong finish in the 2025 season with 136 yards on 14 targets during the weeks when Brock Bowers was sidelined. Whether Mayer remains with Las Vegas or transitions elsewhere, Kubiak’s creative offensive approach could unlock more opportunities for one of the team’s more skilled offensive players.
The Uncertain Future of Quarterback Geno Smith in Vegas
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith endured a difficult first season after signing a two-year, $75 million contract last offseason, reuniting with former head coach Pete Carroll. The reunion failed to produce positive results as the Raiders finished 3-14, leading to Carroll’s dismissal. Smith’s performance included a disappointing 19-to-17 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a career-worst 55 sacks taken.
Despite signing a lucrative deal, Smith now faces an uncertain future, as the Raiders hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team is expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who will likely start immediately. This situation positions Smith for a backup role or potential release, freeing roughly $8 million in cap space while absorbing $18.5 million in dead money. Dynasty and redraft managers are advised to avoid Smith due to this bleak outlook.
Wide Receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. Looks Toward Improved Support
After a disappointing rookie season with limited production—10 receptions for 135 yards from 30 targets over 15 games—Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. appears poised for a potential turnaround. While some blame lies with Thornton, the overall offensive struggles and Geno Smith’s difficulties contributed to his lackluster output.
The selection of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in 2026 could signal an offensive upgrade, leading to more opportunities for Thornton. Additionally, the likely departure of veteran Tyler Lockett in free agency could result in expanded targets for the young receiver. At 23, Thornton presents as an intriguing buy-low prospect in dynasty leagues, especially as impatient managers might be willing to part with him inexpensively.
Role of Tre Tucker in Klint Kubiak’s Offensive Scheme
Las Vegas receiver Tre Tucker has experienced a decrease in his average depth of target over his first three NFL seasons, raising questions about the Raiders’ utilization of his notable 4.4-speed. Incoming head coach Klint Kubiak, fresh from a Super Bowl-winning season with Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Seattle, is expected to rely heavily on schematics to maximize offensive output.
Kubiak’s approach to similar speed receivers in the past has included limited but effective use, as seen with rookie Tory Horton, though he faced challenges replicating this success with Rashid Shaheed following a midseason trade. The Raiders’ offense is projected to revolve around tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, but Tucker is projected to serve as the de facto number one wide receiver. His role and potential will become clearer during free agency and the draft, making him a player to watch in the lead-up to 2026 training camp.
Jack Bech Faces Declining Prospects After a Disappointing Rookie Season
Second-round draft pick Jack Bech entered the NFL with expectations as a breakout candidate but struggled to deliver during his rookie year. In 16 games, Bech recorded only 20 receptions for 224 yards and no touchdowns from 29 targets. His productivity was greater in the final five games of the season, where he managed 12 catches for 132 yards on 17 targets after veteran Jakobi Meyers was traded.
Despite standing behind star tight end Brock Bowers and potential 2026 draftees in the offensive hierarchy, Bech is well positioned for increased opportunity, especially if quarterback play improves with the anticipated arrival of Fernando Mendoza. Nonetheless, his fantasy stock in dynasty leagues is currently trending downward due to underwhelming early returns.
Challenges and Progress in Maxx Crosby’s Recovery and Relationship with the Raiders
Maxx Crosby has been actively engaging in rehab and workouts ahead of the 2026 season as he recovers from knee surgery to repair his meniscus, participating daily in team activities. He has also held productive conversations with new head coach Klint Kubiak, underscoring mutual interest. However, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted on the Rich Eisen Show,
“a lot of other fences that would need to be mended”
remain between Crosby and the organization.
The 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler has weathered multiple coaching changes and only has one playoff appearance during his seven-year tenure with the Raiders. While Crosby maintains some loyalty to the franchise and owner Mark Davis, he is carefully considering his desire to stay or seek a trade. Concurrently, the Raiders must decide if retaining Crosby aligns with rebuilding goals, particularly if they receive offers resembling the two first-round picks they would obtain through trading him.
Regardless of where Crosby plays in 2026, assuming he is healthy, he is expected to be a top-tier defensive lineman option in IDP fantasy leagues.
a lot of other fences that would need to be mended
– Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Analyst
Head Coach Klint Kubiak Affirms Desire to Retain Crosby
On Tuesday, head coach Klint Kubiak reinforced the Raiders’ interest in keeping All-Pro defensive lineman Maxx Crosby, despite ongoing trade rumors. Reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Kubiak stated,
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that.”
Trade speculation has swirled since Crosby was shut down late last season, contrary to his wishes. Surgery on his meniscus during the offseason complicates potential trade negotiations. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated that a trade could occur before free agency kicks off in March. If the Raiders secure a compensation package comparable to the Cowboys’ deal for Micah Parsons—which included two first-round selections and defensive tackle Kenny Clark—it may be difficult for Las Vegas to decline, especially amid their rebuilding phase.
Whether Crosby remains with the Raiders or moves elsewhere, his status as a must-start defensive lineman in IDP fantasy leagues stands firm, provided he is fully healthy by the 2026 season.
We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that,
– Klint Kubiak, Head Coach, Las Vegas Raiders
Crosby Trade Could Happen Prior to Free Agency, But Timing Is Uncertain
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, a trade involving Maxx Crosby before the start of free agency in March is not out of the question. Crosby is currently about one month into recovery from summer meniscus surgery, a procedure that typically requires three to four months for complete rehabilitation.
The 28-year-old has spent his entire seven-year career with the Raiders but is still evaluating his willingness to stay through another team rebuild under new leadership. Although he is ahead of schedule in recovery, it is unlikely he will be cleared medically before free agency officially begins on March 11, which suggests that if a trade occurs, it may more likely happen around the 2026 NFL Draft or prior to the regular season.
When healthy, Crosby ranks among the league’s best pass rushers, having achieved five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and accumulating 69.5 sacks over his career thus far. Should the Raiders decide to trade him, significant interest throughout the NFL is expected due to his talent and contract structure.
Implications of Crosby’s Status for the Raiders and Fantasy Football
The uncertainty surrounding Maxx Crosby’s future holds considerable significance for the Raiders as they navigate their ongoing rebuild. Losing Crosby would mean parting with one of the franchise’s premier defensive talents, but it could yield valuable assets to retool the roster more rapidly, especially with multiple high draft picks and potential impact players in return.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, particularly those in IDP leagues, Crosby’s health and team situation will be critical factors heading into 2026. His proven production and elite pass-rushing skills make him a coveted figure, ensuring his relevance regardless of which jersey he wears next season.
