Las Vegas Raiders General Manager Provides An Update On Maxx Crosby’s Status With Team
The NFL Combine in Indianapolis brought some much-needed clarity to the Maxx Crosby saga that’s been dominating Raiders headlines. General Manager John Spytek didn’t mince words when asked about the star pass rusher’s future.
“I do, yes,” Spytek said when questioned whether he anticipated Crosby suiting up for the Silver and Black next season. That’s about as straightforward as it gets in the NFL, where front office executives typically dance around direct questions like they’re dodging pass rushers in the pocket.
The Relationship That Could Keep Crosby In Vegas
Spytek went beyond the simple yes, painting a picture of a solid working relationship with one of the league’s premier edge rushers. He emphasized that building an elite team requires elite players—and you don’t just give those away.
“Maxx is an elite player,” Spytek said. “I’ve been very up front from the start when I got here: We’re in the business of having very good players on the team, and we need a lot more of them. It’s hard to build an elite team without them.”
The GM revealed that he maintains regular communication with Crosby and noted the defender has been in the facility “every day” working on his recovery. That daily presence speaks volumes about Crosby’s commitment, even amid all the trade speculation swirling around him. “Maxx and I have had great conversations, I’m comfortable there, yeah,” Spytek added.
Why the Trade Talk Won’t Die Down
Despite Spytek’s confidence, this situation remains complicated. Ian Rapoport previously reported that Crosby’s knee injury, which required a full surgical repair in January rather than a minor trim, makes any potential trade before the new league year starts in March difficult from a medical standpoint.
The injury resulted from the Raiders shutting Crosby down for the final two games of last season, a decision that reportedly didn’t sit well with the five-time Pro Bowler. Add in the constant organizational turnover he’s endured throughout his career, and you understand why the 28-year-old might be frustrated.
Tom Pelissero noted that Crosby’s unhappiness with the franchise’s revolving door of coaches and front office personnel is no secret around the league. The Raiders are entering yet another rebuild under Head Coach Klint Kubiak, with presumptive top pick Fernando Mendoza expected to be the centerpiece.
What Comes Next For the Raiders’ Defensive Leader
The combine represents a critical window for clarity. With all 32 teams gathered in Indianapolis, the Raiders have the opportunity to gauge interest from other organizations while simultaneously reinforcing their relationship with Crosby.
According to multiple reports, if Crosby did hit the trade block, the line of interested teams would stretch around Lucas Oil Stadium. The New York Post’s Vincent Bonsignore reported that league sources believe a Crosby trade would command a minimum of two first-round picks, given the overwhelming demand for an elite pass rusher in his prime.
But trading Crosby isn’t Plan A for Las Vegas. The Raiders know what they have. Crosby is a generational talent who recorded 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and a career-high 28 tackles for loss in just 15 games last season. Those aren’t numbers you casually ship out of town.
The Bottom Line
Spytek’s comments suggest the Raiders view Crosby as a foundational piece moving forward, not a trade chip to accelerate a rebuild. The daily facility presence, the open lines of communication, and the GM’s public confidence all point toward Crosby remaining in Las Vegas for 2026.
Whether that plan holds up depends on conversations happening behind closed doors this week. But for now, the Raiders appear committed to building their next contender with No. 98 leading the charge off the edge.
