The Las Vegas Raiders are entering another offseason of change, and this time it could include the departure of their most recognizable defensive star. As trade speculation surrounding Maxx Crosby continues to swirl, new details have emerged about the star pass rusher’s feelings toward his future with the franchise.
Crosby has not publicly demanded a move. But those close to the situation reportedly believe the relationship between the player and the organization has reached a breaking point.
According to The Athletic’s Michael Silver, Crosby “hasn’t made a stink publicly, partly because of his deep affection for the Raiders’ fan base, but it’s clear that he has exhausted all efforts in Vegas.” Silver added that Crosby has dealt with constant instability during his seven seasons with the team, noting that he has “had a new boss every 12 seconds, with one winning season out of seven to show for it.”
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That tension with the franchise escalated late last season. In December, Raiders general manager John Spytek informed Crosby that the team would shut him down for the final two games because of a knee issue. Crosby reportedly stormed out of the team facility after learning of the move.
Las Vegas finished 3-14 to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
Numerous teams have been linked to Crosby in trade rumors, including the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams.
According to Silver, Las Vegas is seeking a major return for Crosby: two first-round picks and a starting-caliber player, though some around the league question whether that package is realistic given Crosby’s recent meniscus surgery.
Still, Silver noted that “there’s little doubt that at least some of these suitors value Crosby enough” to make a deal work.
For the Raiders, a trade could accelerate a rebuild built around the expected selection of quarterback Fernando Mendoza of Indiana with the first overall pick. For Crosby, it might provide an opportunity he hasn’t often had in Las Vegas: a real shot at competing for a championship.