Maxx Crosby has built his reputation on grit and resilience. Every snap, every play-he gives everything he has. He’s been the heart of the Raiders’ defense through years of instability, coaching changes, and front-office shakeups. No matter the circumstances, he’s stayed loyal to Las Vegas. But loyalty only goes so far in the NFL, and the Raiders’ latest move suggests they’re taking a different route to success.
With trade rumors swirling around Crosby, the Raiders faced a tough decision heading into the 2025 draft. Many believed they’d cash in on their top defensive asset, flipping him for picks and young talent. Instead, the team, now under Pete Carroll and owner Tom Brady, held firm on Crosby and shifted their focus to offense, using their first-round pick to grab Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.
Jeanty comes to Vegas with an impressive resume. He put up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in his final college season, solidifying himself as one of the best offensive prospects available. For a team that finished dead last in rushing in 2024, adding a playmaker like Jeanty is a clear statement of intent. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called him “a dynamic runner with the vision and balance to thrive in any system.” The Raiders see him as a foundational piece of their offense moving forward.
Holding onto Crosby: A calculated gamble
The decision to hold onto Crosby wasn’t made lightly. According to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions and Bills both made serious offers for the pass rusher, but the Raiders weren’t ready to part ways with one of their most consistent players. Brady and Carroll saw more value in keeping their defensive leader while giving the offense a much-needed spark.
“I’m here to win,“ Brady said during a press conference. “We looked at what this team needed most, and we believe keeping Maxx and adding a top-tier running back gives us the best shot at competing right away.”
Carroll, known for building physical, run-heavy teams, sees Jeanty as a perfect fit for his system. “I’ve worked with great backs before,”Carroll said. “Ashton has the skill set and mentality to make an immediate impact.”
Raiders fans are cautiously optimistic. The team has seen its fair share of missteps in recent years, but with Carroll’s leadership, Brady’s vision, and Jeanty’s playmaking ability, the pieces are starting to take shape. This draft move signals a shift in strategy-one that prioritizes stability and offensive firepower over a full-scale rebuild. The bet is on a balanced, competitive roster rather than a complete overhaul.
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