The Las Vegas Raiders are at a true crossroads this offseason. The team must find a new head coach and is armed with the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. But regarding those already on the roster, there are once again questions about their best player and leader, Maxx Crosby.
Crosby has been very open about his desire to be in the postseason and compete for championships, and he wants to do so with the Raiders. But as each year passes, the Raiders continue to struggle, and the idea that the two sides could part ways grows.
It was well known that Crosby’s season-ending injury did not sit well with the star defensive end. And according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the relationship between Crosby and the Raiders remained strained as the season came to an end:
“Maxx Crosby’s Raiders future is also being questioned around the league. Las Vegas shut down its five-time Pro Bowler last week against his wishes, and the relationship between the sides remains strained. It’s a dramatic shift from just two months ago, when Crosby and Davis nixed any trade discussions ahead of the Nov. 4 deadline. Many believe Las Vegas will be open to moving its star pass rusher if the relationship remains at an impasse, allowing Crosby, who will turn 29 this summer, an opportunity to compete on a team built to win now.”
And now weeks later, it seems as if that is still the case as Crosby revealed that he hasn’t spoken to the Raiders in the midst of their search for the team’s next head coach, via Ryan McFadden of ESPN:
When asked by @AdamHillLVRJ if #Raiders have kept him informed of the HC search, DE Maxx Crosby said he hasn’t spoken with the team in the past couple of weeks. He has been focused on rehab and his family. pic.twitter.com/FiVxkp7RPG
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) January 22, 2026
The Raiders are in full rebuild mode, and Crosby is at a point in his career when he is looking for real team success, as he has already earned all the individual accolades. There is no doubt that trading Crosby would net the Raiders a massive haul, but it would also mean the Raiders dealing away their heart and soul, not to mention a true star who wants to be with this franchise.
The Raiders have a lot going on this offseason, and while it has been said over previous summers, this year truly feels like one in which the Raiders franchise will set itself up for the future, either for better or worse.
Raiders owner Tom Brady a fan of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza
Another big decision the Raiders must make this offseason is finding their franchise quarterback, and they are well-positioned to do so with the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to a perfect season and the College Football National Championship, is expected to be the top pick, and Raiders owner Tom Brady is a fan of his game.
