Maxx Crosby-Las Vegas Raiders Engaged In An Ugly Situation
If you know anything about Maxx Crosby, you know the guy doesn’t have an “off” switch. He plays every snap like it’s the Super Bowl, even when the scoreboard suggests he should probably just pack it in. But on Friday, the Las Vegas Raiders tried to force that switch into the off position, and let’s just say it didn’t go over well.
According to reports from Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer, the Raiders informed their star defensive end that he is being shut down for the final two games of the season. Crosby, who has been battling a knee injury since October but refusing to sit, reportedly “vehemently disagreed” with the decision. And in true competitor fashion, he didn’t just nod and take a seat on the bench; he left the facility entirely.
The Tank Job Disguised As “Injury Management”
Let’s be real for a second. The Raiders are currently sitting at an abysmal 2-13 record. They are staring down the barrel of a Week 17 matchup against the New York Giants, who are also 2-13. This isn’t just a football game; it’s the “Toilet Bowl” of 2025. The loser of this game effectively “wins” the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The front office in Vegas is clearly looking at the long game. They want that top pick, presumably to draft a franchise quarterback like Fernando Mendoza. Playing Crosby, a guy who can single-handedly wreck a game plan and accidentally help you win a meaningless game, is bad for business.
But try explaining “business” to a guy whose entire brand is built on relentless effort. Just days ago, Crosby told reporters he didn’t give a damn about draft positioning, saying his job is “to be the best defensive end in the world,” not to worry about who the GM picks in April.
What This Means For Crosby’s Future In Vegas
This situation is turning ugly, fast. Crosby has been the one constant bright spot in a franchise that has been stuck in the dark for years. He signed a massive $106.5 million extension to stay in Vegas because he genuinely loves the “Raider Way.” But the current version of the Raiders seems more interested in securing assets than honoring the competitive spirit of their best player.
It’s a brutal spot for a player to be in. He’s played hurt for months, putting his body on the line for a losing team, only to be told his effort is actually counterproductive to the franchise’s goals right now.
If the Raiders are willing to alienate their team captain to secure a draft pick, you have to wonder if the relationship is salvageable. The offseason in Las Vegas is going to be filled with drama, and for once, it might not be the kind of drama fans enjoy. Watching the Raiders tank is painful enough; watching them push away Crosby in the process feels like a whole new level of dysfunction.
