There’s no doubt free agency has produced plenty of storylines, but perhaps the most intriguing is Crosby’s situation with the Raiders. For years, both sides had a strong relationship, but things changed at the end of last season when the team benched him for the final two games. That moment appears to have sparked a fracture between one of the NFL’s top defenders and the organization.
During free agency, Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks (2026 and 2027). However, after saying his goodbyes, the deal hinged on passing a physical. Baltimore flagged concerns with his knee, backed out of the trade, and Crosby was forced to return to Las Vegas.
The Ravens quickly pivoted, signing Trey Hendrickson instead. Meanwhile, Crosby is back with the Raiders. Although the team remains open to trading him, the player internally hopes to stay and build a legacy in Las Vegas. Still, this story is far from over.
Despite the drama, the Raiders are doing things right
Crosby’s talent is unquestioned. He’s been a model professional and the team’s best player for years. But the NFL is a business, and the front office will ultimately do what’s best for the franchise. If he stays, Las Vegas still has an elite pass rusher who can dominate games.
Right now, the Raiders’ focus is clearly on offense. They are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, making him their quarterback of the future. To support him, they’ve already strengthened the offensive line by signing Tyler Linderbaum, one of the league’s top centers.
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated explained it clearly: “With or without Maxx Crosby, the Raiders will be better this season because they went all-in on Tyler Linderbaum, who became the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history with a three-year, $81 million deal. I’m not saying they’re playoff-bound-wins shouldn’t even be the priority in 2026.”
The reality is that Tom Brady and the front office are focused on protecting Mendoza. He comes in with major expectations but is still a rookie, and last season Geno Smith was the most sacked quarterback in the league-something they cannot afford to repeat with their new franchise QB.
Patience will also be key. The Raiders play in one of the toughest divisions in football, the AFC West, alongside the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers.
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