Raiders GM Uncertain About Maxx Crosby's Future Amid Rebuild

Crosby's loyalty to the team and desire to win may clash with the Raiders' long-term rebuilding plans.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed uncertainty about star defensive end Maxx Crosby's future with the team, despite saying he hopes Crosby will remain in Las Vegas. Spytek acknowledged that the Raiders are "always listening" to trade offers for Crosby, one of the team's top players. This comes as Crosby may be growing impatient with the team's constant rebuilding efforts, which have yielded just one winning season and one playoff appearance during his tenure.

Why it matters

Crosby is a key part of the Raiders' defense and locker room, but his desire to win may clash with the team's long-term rebuilding plans under new leadership. The Raiders will have to balance keeping their star player happy while also positioning the team for long-term success, which could mean trading Crosby if they can't convince him to buy into the latest rebuild.

The details

Raiders GM John Spytek said he feels good about Crosby staying with the team, but he also acknowledged that the team is "always listening" to trade offers for the star defensive end. Crosby has been frustrated by the Raiders' constant regime changes and rebuilding efforts, which have yielded just one winning season and one playoff appearance during his tenure. The Raiders are now under new leadership with GM Spytek and coach Klint Kubiak, and they will have to convince Crosby that their latest rebuild plan can lead to sustained success.

  • Crosby will turn 29 by the time the next NFL season starts.
  • The Raiders moved on from former head coach Pete Carroll last month.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been frustrated by the team's constant rebuilding efforts.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders who is uncertain about Crosby's future with the team as they undergo another rebuild.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, tasked with leading the team's latest rebuilding effort.

Mark Davis

The owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, with whom Crosby has a tight bond.

Tom Brady

The minority owner and de facto president of football operations for the Las Vegas Raiders.

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What they’re saying

“We're in the business of having really good players on the team. And we need a lot more of them. It's hard to build a great team without elite players.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (New York Post)

“Maxx and I have a great relationship. He's in the building every day, getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text. So I have a great relationship with Max.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (New York Post)

“I'm not into quickly turning it around. I'm into turning it around the right way.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

Crosby is expected to meet with Raiders GM John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady to discuss the team's long-term rebuilding plans and his role in them. The Raiders will have to convince Crosby that their latest rebuild can lead to sustained success and give him a chance to compete for a championship before his prime years are over.

The takeaway

The Raiders' future with star defensive end Maxx Crosby is uncertain, as the team's long-term rebuilding plans may clash with Crosby's desire to win now. The Raiders will have to carefully navigate this situation, balancing their need to build a sustainable winner with keeping one of their most valuable players happy and committed to the franchise.