The Las Vegas Raiders arrived at the NFL scouting combine with questions surrounding their roster and direction. Holding the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, the franchise is at a pivotal point in its rebuild. But amid speculation about blockbuster moves, general manager John Spytek delivered a clear message about one cornerstone player.
Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ All-Pro edge rusher, is not going anywhere, at least not if Spytek has his way.
“I do, yes,” Spytek said when asked if he anticipates Crosby being on the roster in 2026. Pressed further, he doubled down. “He 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. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.”
The comments come after weeks of trade speculation. Reports surfaced around Super Bowl week suggesting Crosby could be finished in Las Vegas. Given the Raiders’ rebuilding status and Crosby’s age, he turns 29 before the season, some around the league have monitored the situation closely.
Spytek, however, emphasized stability and value.
Crosby recorded 73 tackles, a career-high 28 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in 15 games last season. He also added one interception, six pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. Despite wanting to continue playing late in the year, Crosby was shut down due to a knee injury that required surgery. The Raiders signed him to a three-year, $106.5 million extension in March 2025, reinforcing his role as a foundational piece.
Spytek pointed to their communication as a reason for confidence.
“Maxx and I have a great relationship,” Spytek said. “He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text. So, I have a great relationship with Maxx.”
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When asked if he feels comfortable about where things stand, Spytek replied, “Maxx and I have had great conversations. I’m comfortable there, yeah.”
The Raiders would likely command a significant return, potentially a “Micah Parsons-like” package, if they ever entertained trade discussions. Still, Spytek made it clear that building around elite talent remains the priority.
Las Vegas is attempting to reshape its roster while maintaining competitiveness. Trading Crosby could accelerate a rebuild, but immediately weaken the defense. Keeping him preserves leadership and production as the franchise navigates a critical offseason.
As the combine unfolds and draft conversations intensify, Spytek’s stance suggests Crosby remains central to the Raiders’ plans. For now, the message is direct: elite players stay.