Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek is navigating multiple priorities at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where the team is reviewing 319 prospects for the upcoming draft. As the Raiders work to improve after a disappointing 3-14 finish last season, Spytek emphasized the importance of retaining key players such as defensive end Maxx Crosby while evaluating potential quarterbacks, including Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
Maxx Crosby’s Role Confirmed Despite Trade Rumors
Spytek firmly dismissed speculation about trading 29-year-old Maxx Crosby, who had expressed frustration following a late-season scratch due to injury concerns he contested. The team’s recent coaching change, with Klint Kubiak replacing Pete Carroll, has not altered Crosby’s status. Spytek highlighted Crosby’s elite talent, underscoring his value in rebuilding the team’s roster.
“I am. Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very up front from the start when I got here. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players. Maxx and I have a great relationship. We talk all the time. We text, talk on the phone. He’s in the building everyday.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Spytek reiterated that the Raiders aim to surround themselves with high-caliber players and acknowledged the multiple roster areas requiring attention.
“We’re in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
He emphasized the need for transparency about the team’s current challenges.
“All of it. We won three games last year, We’ve got to be super honest with where we’re at. We’ve got a lot of needs to address and a lot of capital to do it.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Evaluating Quarterback Prospects Including Fernando Mendoza
Although the Raiders are not actively shopping the coveted No. 1 overall draft pick—the first time they’ve held this position since 2007 with JaMarcus Russell—Spytek stressed the importance of remaining open to possibilities. Drawing from his experiences with Howie Roseman of Philadelphia and Jason Licht of Tampa Bay, Spytek maintains a listening approach when considering offers.
While he did not name Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza directly, Spytek confirmed that the Raiders are closely assessing quarterbacks who demonstrate passion, humility, and thorough preparation.
“passion, humility and prepare for the game the right way.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Spytek attended multiple Indiana games in 2025 and was present at the national championship to better evaluate talent. He highlighted that beyond physical skills, the mental capacity to manage pressure in the NFL is a critical measurement.
“How they are going to handle the pressure of being 1 of 32 in the world, To us it’s about how much can they process, how hard do they work, how much do they remember.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Recognizing the challenge of instantly starting a rookie quarterback, Spytek indicated a preference for a veteran presence who can mentor the young passer, pointing to Geno Smith’s contract status and the uncertainty surrounding free agent Kenny Pickett.
“not necessarily in favor of running out”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Importance of Interviews and Veteran Leadership in Quarterback Selection
The 18-minute formal interviews at the combine are vital for assessing leadership qualities and humility, although Spytek considers the additional evaluations throughout the week more decisive for final decisions. He also values the input from minority owner Tom Brady, who takes an active role in the Raiders’ rebuilding process.
“He’s the best ever to do it, Whoever is playing quarterback for the Raiders has a great opportunity to learn from Tom. Tom is a great resource for them.”
?John Spytek, Las Vegas Raiders General Manager
Scheduled Offseason Events for the Raiders’ Rebuild
The Raiders have several key events lined up as they prepare for the 2026 season, starting with the franchise and transition tag window from February 17 to March 3. The NFL Scouting Combine runs from February 23 to March 2 in Indianapolis.
Following that, the free agent negotiation period spans March 9 to March 11, with free agency opening on March 11 as the new league year begins. The NFL Annual League Meeting takes place from March 29 to April 1, and the NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23 to April 25.
Outlook for the Raiders and Maxx Crosby’s Future
John Spytek’s position on Maxx Crosby signals stability around one of the team’s most talented players at a time when the Raiders urgently need to reshape their roster. The focus on evaluating quarterback options, including Fernando Mendoza, reflects a strategic approach to filling critical roles without rushing rookie talent into starting positions.
With veteran leadership from Geno Smith and guidance from Tom Brady, the Raiders are building a foundation to rise from last year’s setbacks. The coming weeks and months will be decisive as the team approaches the 2026 draft and free agency, shaping the Raiders’ future trajectory in a highly competitive NFL landscape.
#Raiders GM John Spytek says he expected Maxx Crosby to be on the team this season, calling him “elite.”
“We're in the business of having really good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them.” https://t.co/mScczl6ygv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2026
