The Las Vegas Raiders are drawing considerable attention this NFL offseason following their disappointing 3-14 record, which left them at the bottom of the AFC West. With the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the team is evaluating how to strengthen the roster, including decisions surrounding their prominent edge rusher, Maxx Crosby. Recent developments about Crosby’s injury recovery have added complexity to ongoing trade rumors.
Possible Draft Strategy and Team Changes Ahead
With the draft still nearly two months away, speculation suggests the Raiders might select Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, a quarterback who led Indiana to its first national championship and an undefeated season. However, the final choice remains uncertain, as the team also prepares for free agency, seeking to add more talent to improve after last season’s struggles.
Maxx Crosby’s Recovery Progress and Trade Speculation
Maxx Crosby underwent surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee, sustained during the previous season. He recently shared a video displaying his ability to move effortlessly on a basketball court and make a free-throw shot, showing no signs of pain or limping. Though he was not running at full speed, the video indicates a positive recovery trajectory.
Raiders’ Commitment to Retaining Elite Talent
Questions about Crosby’s future with the team led to comments from Raiders General Manager John Spytek. Spytek expressed confidence that Crosby would remain with the team for the 2026 season, emphasizing his status as an “elite player.” Spytek highlighted the organization’s strategy of building a competitive roster around top performers, acknowledging the necessity of maintaining such talent to construct a strong team.
“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. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.” – John Spytek, Raiders General Manager
Implications for the Raiders’ Upcoming Season
The recovery status of Maxx Crosby and the team’s approach to free agency and the draft will play critical roles in reshaping the Raiders after a difficult 2025 season. Retaining Crosby’s pass-rushing skills could provide stability on defense, while adding new talent at quarterback and other positions may determine whether the team can reverse its fortunes in the AFC West next year.
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) February 28, 2026
