The offseason in Las Vegas has been loud. And once again, Maxx Crosby is at the center of it.
After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 NFL offseason facing serious questions about direction and stability. Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler and the emotional leader of the defense, quickly became part of the trade conversation.
Earlier this month, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer reported that Crosby was “done” with the Raiders. Days later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show that there is a feeling around the league that Crosby would like to be traded.
Those reports triggered widespread debate across NFL media.
Maxx Crosby addresses the rumors directly
On Feb. 10, Crosby addressed the speculation during an appearance on the “Let’s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray. His tone was calm and controlled.
“My focus has been on getting healthy because that’s all I can control right now,… That’s all that matters to me is being with my daughters and being with my wife and taking care of myself…
He acknowledged the rumors but made it clear they do not dictate his mindset.
“If you have drama, if you have a losing season, they just try to throw gasoline on the fire,” he added.
Crosby has not publicly requested a trade nor the Raiders have not officially announced any plans to move him. That distinction matters.
Performance has never been the question with Crosby
While the Raiders have struggled, Crosby’s individual production has remained elite. According to Pro Football Focus data from recent seasons, he consistently ranks among league leaders in quarterback pressures and defensive snaps.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Crosby has established himself as one of football’s most durable and disruptive edge rushers. What has changed is the team’s trajectory.
The Raiders have endured five losing seasons in seven years during Crosby’s tenure. The 2025 campaign marked a low point, and the decision to shut him down for the final two games while positioning for the 2026 NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick intensified frustration.
Back in December, Crosby made his competitive mindset clear.
“I don’t give a f*ck about the pick, I don’t play for that…That’s not my job. My job is to be the best defensive end in the world, and that’s what I focus on every day…
The bigger picture in Las Vegas
Around the league, analysts recognize that pass rushers in their prime rarely become available. That alone keeps speculation alive.
For the Raiders, the stakes are significant. Trading Crosby would signal a deeper rebuild. Retaining him would suggest confidence in a quicker turnaround under the current leadership.
This situation reflects the tension between elite individual performance and team-wide instability.
As offseason workouts approach and the 2026 NFL Draft nears, roster decisions will provide clearer answers. Until then, Crosby’s public position is steady. He wants to focus on football and block out the noise.
“I really don’t care what everybody has to say. I used to a lot as a young guy. I really don’t give a damn. People can have their own opinions. I know what’s going on. I know my truth…
Whether the conversation fades or escalates will depend on actions, not headlines.
Statements from Maxx Crosby on the “Let’s Go!” podcast on Feb. 10; reporting from Fox Sports and ESPN between Feb. 4 and Feb. 9; publicly available 2025 team records; Pro Football Focus performance data.
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