NFL insider has a take regarding Maxx Crosby and his eventful offseason that Raiders owner Mark Davis couldn’t agree with more
The Las Vegas Raiders would love to have Maxx Crosby retire a Raider, and be a Raider for life.
The Las Vegas Raiders are keeping Maxx Crosby. After a wild offseason that saw the star defensive end request a trade, get dealt to the Baltimore Ravens, and then get sent back to Las Vegas after failing Baltimore’s physical, the dust has settled.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered his perspective on where things stand, saying he sees Crosby remaining with the Raiders for the long haul.
“I see him staying in Vegas, helping this team, and being a Raider for life,” Schefter said.
That sentiment is exactly what the Raiders’ fan base wants to hear. Crosby has a Raider tattoo on his arm. He recently released a song that serves as the team’s anthem. The man bleeds silver and black, and the organization welcomed him back with open arms after the Baltimore situation fell apart.
The failed physical and what it means
The Ravens agreed to send two first-round picks to Las Vegas for Crosby. He traveled to Baltimore, even posted on his Instagram story that he was there. Then, hours later, the Ravens rescinded the trade by claiming Crosby failed their physical.
Baltimore’s medical staff determined they did not believe Crosby could play at an elite level for the length of his contract. That’s their prerogative. Teams can set their own thresholds for these evaluations, and the Ravens decided the risk was too great. For the Raiders, though, that outcome turned into a gift. They got their franchise player back without giving up a thing.
Crosby’s production speaks for itself
Even with injuries limiting his availability over the past two seasons, Crosby has been dominant. In 2024, he played just 12 games but still tallied 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Last season, he suited up for 15 games and posted 10 sacks with a career-high 28 tackles for loss. He also added an interception, which was a first for his career.
Over 110 career games, Crosby has compiled 69 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 29 pass deflections. He is one of the greatest players in Raiders franchise history and already has a Hall of Fame-caliber resume building.
The Raiders need him now more than ever
Las Vegas is in the business of collecting good football players. The roster didn’t have many of them a couple of years ago, so every quality contributor matters. Crosby is the anchor of the defensive front, and the depth behind him is thin. Outside of Crosby, the edge rusher room consists of a handful of unproven options — undrafted free agents, rookies, and practice squad holdovers. If anyone goes down with an injury, the Raiders are in trouble.
Trade rumors should be put to rest
There have been lingering whispers about Crosby potentially being moved even after the Baltimore deal collapsed. But everything points toward him staying put. Schefter’s comments carry weight, and Crosby’s own actions tell the story of a player who wants to be in Las Vegas. The trade rumors can die. The Raiders have their guy, and now the focus shifts to making sure the 2026 season is one worth his effort.