Raiders' Maxx Crosby Receives Strong Message Amid Trade Rumors

Former Raiders star Reggie Kinlaw weighs in on the team's star pass rusher's future.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:15am

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As trade rumors swirl around Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, former Raiders star Reggie Kinlaw shared a strong message for the team and its star player. Kinlaw believes Crosby is a "franchise player" and the "face of the franchise" who the Raiders should keep, even if he wants to go elsewhere to win. Meanwhile, the 49ers have been urged to pursue a trade for Crosby, who has been dominant since entering the league in 2019.

Why it matters

Crosby is one of the Raiders' best players and a key part of their defense. Deciding whether to keep him or trade him for assets will be a critical decision for the team as they look to rebuild. Kinlaw's comments provide insight into how the Raiders' fanbase and former players view Crosby's value to the franchise.

The details

Crosby has been a star for the Raiders since being drafted in 2019, recording 278 solo tackles, 161 assisted tackles, 69.5 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception in 110 games. His production and motor have made him a coveted player across the NFL, with the 49ers reportedly interested in acquiring him via trade. However, former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy believes the team has other roster needs that should take priority over adding another pass rusher to pair with Crosby.

  • Kinlaw's comments were made on January 31, 2026 in an interview with Vegas Sports Today.
  • The 49ers' reported interest in trading for Crosby was mentioned on January 26, 2026 on 95.7 The Game.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who has been dominant since entering the league in 2019.

Reggie Kinlaw

A former Raiders star who believes Crosby is a "franchise player" and the "face of the franchise" that the team should keep.

Lincoln Kennedy

A former Raiders offensive lineman who believes the team has other roster needs that should take priority over adding another pass rusher to pair with Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, Maxx is a great player. I live here. He's good in the community. Everybody loves him. He's a franchise player. He's going to be the face of the of the franchise. If [Fernando] Mendoza comes, Mendoza got to work his way up to be the face of the franchise. If Maxx wants to go, I can understand that. All right.”

— Reggie Kinlaw, Former Raiders Star (Vegas Sports Today)

“This guy's got the winning mentality in his head. He's 100 percent. He goes full speed every play and he wants to win. I mean, you know, hey, personally, I ain't never been on a losing team. And I can understand if he wants to go somewhere and start winning, but I think if he just hang in there for a couple of years, we get this show on the roads starting this year.”

— Reggie Kinlaw, Former Raiders Star (Vegas Sports Today)

“If you want the big ticket out on the market, whether it's free agency or trade name, that I would be obsessed with if I were a 49er fan, and I am, it's Maxx Crosby. If you could circle one player that's a proven player, and you could find a way to make him a Niner, that's my guy, Maxx Crosby.”

— Mark Willard (95.7 The Game)

“As much as I like [Trey] Hendrickson as a player, I don't think the Raiders need to go there. They've got other things that they need to address with the money... I think they need help at linebacker. I understand what they're trying to do with this defense.”

— Lincoln Kennedy, Former Raiders Offensive Lineman (Raiders Squad Show)

What’s next

The Raiders will need to decide in the coming months whether to trade Maxx Crosby or keep him as they look to rebuild the team. If they do decide to trade him, the 49ers have been mentioned as a potential suitor.

The takeaway

Maxx Crosby has emerged as one of the Raiders' best players, but the team faces a difficult decision on whether to build around him or trade him for assets as they look to rebuild. Former Raiders stars like Reggie Kinlaw believe Crosby is a "franchise player" worth keeping, while others like Lincoln Kennedy think the team has other pressing needs to address first.