Raiders Weighing Maxx Crosby Trade Amid Injury Complications

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport breaks down the 'complicated' situation surrounding the star defensive end's future in Las Vegas.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:55am

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The Las Vegas Raiders are considering trading star defensive end Maxx Crosby this offseason, but the situation is complicated by Crosby's recent knee surgery that will likely keep him sidelined until at least the NFL draft or training camp. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided an update on the trade rumors, noting that Crosby's desire to play through injury at the end of the season and the nature of his surgery make a deal difficult to execute in the near term.

Why it matters

Crosby is one of the Raiders' top defensive players, so his potential departure would be a significant blow to the team's rebuilding efforts. However, his injury status complicates the team's options as they weigh the best path forward, whether that's keeping Crosby or trading him for assets to aid the rebuild.

The details

Crosby underwent knee surgery in January after playing through the injury at the end of the 2025 season. Rapoport described the surgery as a 'repair' rather than a 'trim,' indicating a more significant procedure that will require a longer recovery timeline. As a result, Crosby may not be medically cleared to be traded when the new league year begins in March, potentially pushing any deal to the NFL draft or even training camp.

  • Crosby underwent knee surgery in January 2026.
  • Crosby is expected to need a few months to fully recover from the surgery.

The players

Maxx Crosby

A star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders who is the subject of trade rumors this offseason due to his recent knee surgery.

Ian Rapoport

An NFL Network reporter who provided an update on the 'complicated' Maxx Crosby trade situation.

Rich Eisen

The host of The Rich Eisen Show, where Rapoport discussed the Crosby trade rumors.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, there is reason to bother, this is definitely not nothing. I just don't know what it is yet.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

“This is as complicated a situation as I can remember.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Raiders will likely have to wait until the NFL draft or training camp to explore a potential Maxx Crosby trade, as he may not be medically cleared to be dealt when the new league year begins in March.

The takeaway

The Raiders' plans for Maxx Crosby this offseason are in flux due to the complicated nature of his recent knee surgery and recovery timeline. The team must weigh the risks and benefits of keeping Crosby or trading him for assets, all while navigating the uncertainty around his health status.