Maxx Crosby Trade Speculation Cools as Raiders Insider Predicts Star's Stay
Trade speculation surrounding star pass rusher Maxx Crosby has dominated the NFL offseason narrative, but a significant new update suggests the defensive powerhouse may not be leaving Las Vegas after all. For weeks, numerous reports indicated that the Las Vegas Raiders organization could seriously consider moving Crosby as part of a broader team rebuild strategy.
Steep Asking Price Reflects Elite Status
Some NFL insiders and analysts had even claimed that the Raiders' potential asking price in any trade would include two first-round draft picks plus an additional player, a remarkably steep demand that directly reflects Crosby's elite status within the league. This valuation underscores why his potential availability generated such widespread interest across the NFL.
Growing Belief Crosby Situation Will "Blow Over"
According to a Raiders insider who spoke on the Locked On podcast, there is now a growing belief inside the organization's building that the entire trade situation will simply "blow over" and that Crosby will remain with the franchise for the upcoming 2026 NFL season. The report strongly suggests that both the player and the team still value their partnership highly and that serious trade discussions may not have gained the traction many observers and analysts initially expected.
Origins of the Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors
Crosby's reported frustration, which fueled the rumors, stems primarily from the Raiders' continued on-field struggles. The team endured a particularly difficult 2025 campaign, finishing near the bottom of the league standings. As a five-time Pro Bowler entering his athletic prime, Crosby has made it abundantly clear in past statements that winning championships matters deeply to him.
Tension reportedly increased late last season when the Raiders' medical staff placed him on injured reserve due to a lingering knee issue, a decision that multiple sources indicate did not sit well with the competitive player. That specific moment added considerable fuel to the widespread speculation that a change of scenery might be on the horizon for the defensive star.
Raiders' Position and Transitional Phase
Simultaneously, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and are widely viewed by league experts as a team entering a clear transitional phase. Moving a high-value asset like Crosby theoretically could have accelerated that rebuilding process, providing additional draft capital and flexibility.
Team Leadership Emphasizes Crosby's Importance
Despite all the external noise and speculation, Raiders General Manager John Spytek recently emphasized Crosby's fundamental importance to the team's future. He publicly described the defensive star as "elite" and reiterated that building a truly competitive roster requires retaining cornerstone players of his caliber.
Positive Health Updates Reduce Concerns
Crosby also appears to be progressing very well in his recovery from offseason knee surgery, sharing multiple workout footage clips on social media that showed him moving comfortably and aggressively. These positive health updates have further reduced concerns about his long-term durability and performance capability.
Implications for Interested NFL Teams
If Crosby does indeed stay in Las Vegas, it represents disappointing news for several interested teams who had been linked to him as possible suitors, including:
- Dallas Cowboys - who have signaled a more aggressive offseason approach
- Philadelphia Eagles - looking to strengthen their defensive front
- New England Patriots - also seeking defensive line reinforcements
Fluid Situation as Offseason Progresses
For now, the overall situation remains somewhat fluid. NFL trade rumors often intensify as key offseason dates approach, including the start of free agency and the draft. However, the latest signals emanating from inside the Raiders organization strongly suggest that Maxx Crosby wearing silver and black in 2026 remains very much on the table, potentially ending one of the offseason's most prominent storylines.
