Early Raiders Training Camp Reports on Maxx Crosby Are Extremely Encouraging

If there were any lingering concerns about Maxx Crosby’s knee heading into the 2026 season, they aren’t showing up on the practice field.

According to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden, Crosby has been one of the biggest early storylines of Las Vegas Raiders training camp, with teammates reportedly “mesmerized” by how explosive he looks after spending the offseason rehabbing from knee surgery.

For a player whose health became a major topic of discussion throughout the offseason, that’s exactly what the Raiders wanted to see.

Teammates Already Noticing the Difference In Maxx Crosby

The praise for Maxx Crosby hasn’t just come from coaches or reporters. Raiders linebacker Quay Walker said the star pass-rusher looks nothing like someone who underwent knee surgery just months ago.

“I don’t think you can really tell that he went through what he went through last year, honestly,” Walker said. “Me and Nakobe Dean talked about that on the sideline. … After the first team period, we were like, ‘man, Maxx is flying.'”

That’s a powerful endorsement from players watching him up close every day.

Explosiveness is the foundation of Crosby’s game. His ability to win with speed, relentless effort, and burst off the edge is what has made him one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. If teammates are noticing that trait immediately, it’s a strong sign his recovery is progressing well.

A Huge Development After an Eventful Offseason

Crosby’s health became one of the NFL’s biggest offseason storylines following the failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens. The Raiders had agreed to send Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks, but the deal ultimately fell apart after he reportedly failed his physical examination.

That naturally raised questions about the state of his knee.

Now, early reports from camp are telling a much different story.

Crosby appears healthy, explosive, and fully capable of returning to the level of play that has made him a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most feared edge rushers.

His 2025 Production Was Already Impressive

What’s remarkable is that Crosby was still highly productive despite dealing with the injury.

After suffering a meniscus issue that eventually required surgery in January, he continued to play through the problem for much of the season before missing the final two games.

Even while battling the injury, Crosby finished with:

• 10 sacks
• 28 tackles for loss
• 15 games played

Those are elite numbers for most edge defenders.

If he was able to produce that level of disruption while playing hurt, it isn’t difficult to imagine an even more productive season now that he’s approaching full health.

Could Trade Interest Return?

Another reason Crosby’s health matters is the possibility that trade conversations could resurface.

Teams around the league have already demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for his services. The Ravens nearly acquired him, and the Dallas Cowboys were reportedly among the other teams that showed significant interest.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently indicated he would be open to making a major move if it improved Dallas’ championship chances, and Crosby remains exactly the type of player contenders would aggressively target.

The healthier he looks, the more valuable he becomes.

Raiders May Be Looking at an All-Pro Season

For now, though, the Raiders appear to be benefiting from Crosby’s return.

The early reports suggest he’s moving well, playing fast, and reminding everyone why he’s been the centerpiece of Las Vegas’ defense for years.

That’s especially encouraging because Crosby’s ceiling remains enormous.

His career-best season came in 2022 when he recorded 14.5 sacks and established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defensive players. Based on what teammates are saying during the opening days of camp, a return to that level may not be out of the question.

It’s only training camp, and plenty can change between now and Week 1.

But if the early reviews are accurate, the Raiders may have something extremely valuable on their hands: a healthy Maxx Crosby playing like the All-Pro version of himself again.