Las Vegas Raiders standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby continues to be at the center of trade rumors during this offseason. While the Raiders’ management insists they want to retain him, the possibility remains that a competing team could submit a trade offer too good to refuse. Crosby’s potential departure has sparked considerable speculation about the team’s direction and roster decisions.
Raiders general manager John Spytek addressed the situation on February 23, emphasizing the value Crosby brings to the squad.
“Maxx is an elite player and I’ve been very up front 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,”
Spytek said. He further noted,
“It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”
Raheem Mostert Comments on Crosby’s Loyalty and Possible Next Steps
On March 2, Raiders running back Raheem Mostert shared his thoughts regarding Crosby’s uncertain future with the team during an interview on “Good Morning Football.” He highlighted Crosby’s exceptional commitment and influence both on and off the field, stating,
“Honestly, just knowing Maxx and everything that he brings to an organization, it’s tough to make that decision.”
Mostert described Crosby as deeply loyal and inspirational to teammates and the community. He remarked,
“He’s a very loyal guy, one of the most loyal guys that you could possibly have on your team, and he’s wanting to get the job done. Everything that he does inspires so many people in the community and the organization. I know [Raiders owner Mark Davis] is in love with him and all of him.”
Reflecting on his own experiences with difficult team decisions, Mostert added,
“I know everybody loves him. But from a standpoint as a player, I’ve been there before. I’ve been on a losing team where it just didn’t work out. Sometimes you’ve got to think about that next chapter, that next step. It’s going to be interesting to see where he lands. Even if he leaves, it’s going to be interesting what the trade talks are going to look like.”
Insider Report Provides Latest Perspective on Crosby’s Contract Status
Despite Spytek’s assurances, NFL insider Diana Russini of The Athletic offered a more detailed update on Crosby’s situation during the February 25 broadcast of Scoop City. She traced the growing trade chatter back to the Super Bowl and stressed that while the Raiders’ general manager publicly supports keeping Crosby, the final decision ultimately lies with the player.
Russini observed,
“The Raiders have chosen to support their star player because, you know, Maxx is listening. He’s going to want to hear his general manager want him back. I think it’s going to come down to what Maxx wants. I can tell you the sense here is that teams are talking to his agent. They’re going to hopefully do that when they legally can to get an idea of where Maxx wants to play.”
Unlikely Trade Destination: Chicago Bears’ Position on Acquiring Crosby
Among the teams rumored to be interested in acquiring Crosby, the Chicago Bears have been mentioned frequently. However, ESPN Chicago Bears reporter Courtney Cronin expressed skepticism about the possibility of Crosby joining the Windy City. On February 19, during an appearance on “UNSPORTSMANLIKE,” Cronin questioned whether the Bears consider themselves just one elite pass rusher away from a Super Bowl win.
She pointed out the substantial cost involved, citing a report that the Bears would likely have to trade away their 2026 first-round pick, send wide receiver DJ Moore to the Raiders, and include a 2027 fifth-round pick to secure Crosby. Cronin said,
“I don’t know if the Bears view themselves as, ‘We are just one elite pass rusher away from winning a Super Bowl,’ when the draft class is as loaded with defensive talent as it is. Because that would be a very expensive cost.”
Significance and Future Outlook for Maxx Crosby and the Raiders
Maxx Crosby’s situation remains a focal point for the Raiders as they balance team-building with contract negotiations. His role as a leading edge rusher and respected locker room presence makes his future with Las Vegas crucial for the franchise’s success. How Crosby’s contract talks conclude will likely influence the Raiders’ defensive strategy going forward and could set a precedent for how the team handles star player retention moving ahead.
The unfolding negotiations and trade talks around Crosby will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as any move impacts not only the Raiders’ defensive lineup but the wider NFL trade market. Whether Crosby remains with the Raiders or embarks on a new chapter will be a defining storyline for the upcoming season.
Raheem Mostert on Maxx Crosby's future with the Raiders ⬇️@RMos_8Ball | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/iIBgwvM64m
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) March 2, 2026
Are Maxx Crosby and the Bears something to pay attention to? Yes.
Are Maxx Crosby and the Bears something that seems likely? @CourtneyRCronin doesn't think so ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/K9IyRhGHU7
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE (@UnSportsESPN) February 19, 2026
