The rumor mill is churning in Las Vegas, and the consensus among NFL insiders is that the “clean slate” at Allegiant Stadium may start with the departure of the team’s biggest star.
Despite being the heart and soul of the franchise for seven seasons, Maxx Crosby is increasingly seen by league executives as “done” with the Las Vegas Raiders.
According to a report from ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler and Ryan McFadden, the relationship between the three-time Pro Bowler and the organization has reached a breaking point after the team made the controversial decision to shut him down for the final two games of the season.
“A personnel executive for another club said that he thinks that this time Crosby, ‘a pretty principled dude,’ is done in Vegas,” the report stated.
Crosby vs. The Raiders: The “Tanking” tension
The decision to bench Crosby while the Raiders were vying for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft reportedly infuriated the defensive end. Crosby, known for his relentless motor and “tip of the spear” leadership, has always fought to remain a Raider through five coaching changes.
However, the reality of facing his sixth head coach following the firing of Pete Carroll-combined with what he perceives as a slight by the front office-has shifted the landscape.
While the Raiders secured the top pick after finishing a league-worst 3-14, the cost may have been the trust of their veteran leader.
Crosby finished the year with: 10 sacks, 73 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
These numbers are even more impressive considering he accomplished them in just 15 games before being sidelined for what the team termed “meniscus surgery” as they pivoted toward a total rebuild.
Las Vegas management plays damage control
On Monday, Raiders General Manager John Spytek attempted to douse the flames, expressing his continued commitment to the star pass rusher.
“I love Maxx,” Spytek told reporters. “He embodies what a Raider is. I’ve been pretty up front with that from the day I sat up here a year ago, and I continue to believe that.”
While Spytek’s words suggest a desire to keep Crosby in the Silver and Black, the reality of a roster that needs a total overhaul might dictate a different path.
Trading Crosby would likely command a haul of draft assets, providing the Raiders with the capital needed to build around their incoming No. 1 overall pick-likely Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
What’s next for Crosby and the Raiders?
As the Raiders transition to a new coaching staff, the league will be watching closely to see if Crosby is included in the new vision or if he is finally granted a move to a Super Bowl contender.
For a player who has given everything to an organization “mired in mediocrity,” a fresh start elsewhere may be the only way to satisfy his “principled” nature.
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