The whirlwind of trade speculation surrounding Maxx Crosby has taken an unexpected — and perhaps relieving — turn for fans of the Las Vegas Raiders. What once felt like an inevitable blockbuster offseason move is now trending toward stability: Crosby is likely to remain in Las Vegas for the 2026 NFL season, with the Raiders publicly leaning toward keeping their star edge rusher at the forefront of the franchise’s rebuild.
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From Host of Rumors to Heart of the Team
Trade chatter involving Crosby has been a staple of NFL offseason chatter for months. Teams across the league, from the Bears and Cowboys to the Eagles and Patriots, have been linked to potential blockbuster offers that could net the Raiders significant draft capital. ESPN, for example, floated several hypothetical trade packages before the NFL Scouting Combine.
Despite those scenarios, recent developments at the Combine in Indianapolis suggest that Las Vegas doesn’t want to let go of its premier pass rusher — at least not yet. Multiple league insiders and team officials have pushed back on trade narratives this week, emphasizing Crosby’s importance to the Raiders’ long-term plans.
Raiders Leadership Pushes Back on Trade Speculation
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Raiders General Manager John Spytek made headlines by clearly stating that he expects Crosby to be in Las Vegas for the 2026 season. Spytek spoke at length about Crosby’s elite talent, his leadership role, and the difficulty of constructing a competitive roster without star players like him.
When directly asked if Crosby was on the roster next season, Spytek replied unequivocally that yes, he does expect Crosby to stay with the Raiders. However, he also left the door slightly ajar — explaining that while the team isn’t actively shopping Crosby, it will “always listen” to the right offer.
This nuanced stance suggests that while the Raiders are not actively trying to trade Crosby, they aren’t completely closing off potential blockbuster negotiations if circumstances change — such as a deal too good to refuse.
Why Keeping Him Makes Sense — For Now
Several factors make the current approach logical for Las Vegas:
- Cornerstone Talent: Crosby remains one of the most feared edge rushers in the league and a clear building block for any competitive future.
- Locker Room Influence: Beyond statistics, Crosby’s leadership and presence in the locker room are widely valued by teammates and coaches.
- Rebuild Stability: The Raiders are entering a transition period — including a new coaching staff and a rebuild around young talent — and retaining established stars can provide continuity.
Even if fans and pundits debated potential trade targets and blockbuster draft returns, the Raiders’ messaging at the Combine has been consistent: they prioritize Crosby as a centerpiece rather than a negotiable asset.
What This Means for the Offseason
For now, Raiders supporters can breathe a sigh of relief: Crosby isn’t packing his bags just yet. That doesn’t mean trade rumors are dead — especially in a league that thrives on deals and leverage — but the narrative has shifted from “inevitable departure” to strategic uncertainty guided by mutual respect and value.
As the NFL offseason progresses, developments surrounding Crosby’s health, the Raiders’ draft strategy, and interest from other franchises will continue to shape the conversation. But the surprising — and arguably pleasing — consensus among insiders is this: Maxx Crosby is likely staying in Las Vegas for 2026.
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