Raiders Weigh Keeping or Trading Star Defender Maxx Crosby

New head coach Klint Kubiak must decide if Crosby's value is higher as a player or trade asset.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a major offseason decision regarding star defensive end Maxx Crosby. With a new head coach in Klint Kubiak and a potential rebuild on the horizon, the team must weigh whether to keep Crosby, who has been one of the NFL's most productive pass rushers in recent years, or explore trading him to acquire more assets. General manager John Spytek has indicated Crosby is expected to remain with the team, but that could be a smokescreen as the Raiders try to maximize his trade value.

Why it matters

Crosby has been a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense since being drafted in 2019, but his large contract extension from the previous regime could make him an attractive trade chip as Kubiak looks to put his stamp on the team. Keeping Crosby would provide stability and production, while trading him could net valuable draft picks or players to aid the rebuild. This decision will have major implications for the Raiders' short-term and long-term future.

The details

Crosby, 25, has been one of the NFL's most disruptive pass rushers since entering the league, recording 379 pressures since 2021 - the third-highest total in the NFL over that span. He is under contract with the Raiders through 2026, but his large salary could make him expendable as the team undergoes a potential rebuild under Kubiak. While Spytek has publicly stated the expectation is for Crosby to remain in Las Vegas, that could be a tactic to drive up the asking price for a potential trade.

  • Kubiak was hired as the Raiders' new head coach in February 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Combine took place in early March 2026.

The players

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, hired in February 2026 to lead the team's rebuild.

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL since being drafted in 2019.

John Spytek

The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has publicly stated the expectation is for Crosby to remain with the team in 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One of the biggest stories of the offseason is what will happen with Raiders edge defender Maxx Crosby. He still has four years left on his deal, but Las Vegas may try to trade its star pass-rusher as it goes through a complete rebuild”

— Max Chadwick, Writer

“Crosby's 379 pressures since 2021 are third in the NFL to only Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett. General manager John Spytek quieted those rumors a bit by saying that he expects Crosby to be back with the Raiders in 2026. That could certainly be a smokescreen, though, as Las Vegas tries to drive up the asking price for his services”

— Max Chadwick, Writer

What’s next

The Raiders will have to decide whether to keep Maxx Crosby or explore trading him ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision on Maxx Crosby will be a pivotal one as they look to rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Keeping Crosby provides stability and production, but trading him could net valuable assets to aid the rebuild. Whichever path the team chooses, it will have major implications for the franchise's short-term and long-term future.