The future of Las Vegas Raiders' star defensive end Maxx Crosby is shrouded in significant uncertainty, with reports suggesting the franchise is open to trading its most recognisable player. This comes despite Crosby signing a lucrative three-year, $106.5 million contract extension as recently as March.
A Growing Rift Over Injury Management
The situation escalated in December when the struggling Raiders, who finished the season with a dismal 2-14 record, placed Crosby on Injured Reserve. The move was reportedly made amid concerns he would require off-season surgery on his knee. However, Crosby apparently disagreed with the decision to end his season prematurely.
Following the IR designation, Crosby left the team's facility in Henderson, Nevada, and returned home. There, he has since posted social media videos showing himself engaging in physical activities like playing basketball and jumping on a trampoline, seemingly contradicting the severity of the injury suggested by the team.
Head coach Pete Carroll, whose own position is rumoured to be under threat, publicly supported Crosby's reaction. "He knows that he's banged up, so he's talking about, 'I'd like to get out of here,'" Carroll told reporters on December 26. "And I said, 'Yeah, get out of here.' So he took off." Carroll added that he agreed with Crosby's response "1,000 percent."
Accusations of Tanking and Draft Implications
While the Raiders have defended the IR move as being in the "best interest of both the franchise and the player," critics have accused the organisation of deliberately tanking its final games. The strategy appeared aimed at securing the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The plan ultimately succeeded. A loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale, played without Crosby, guaranteed the Raiders the top selection. They are widely expected to use that pick on Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza.
The Complicated Road to a Potential Trade
A trade involving Crosby, however, presents major logistical hurdles for any interested team. The 28-year-old pass rusher, an Eastern Michigan product, is due an average annual salary of $30 million in both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Any acquiring team would need significant salary cap space to accommodate his contract.
Furthermore, the Raiders face their own financial pressure. To avoid a massive salary cap penalty in 2027, Las Vegas would need to complete a trade before March 17, when Crosby's salary for the upcoming season becomes fully guaranteed.
Despite the reported meniscus issues, Crosby's on-field performance remained elite. He led the Raiders with 10 sacks this past season and even recorded the first interception of his professional career. Over seven seasons in Las Vegas, he has only appeared in one playoff game, a point of frustration that may influence his desire for a fresh start as the franchise embarks on another rebuild.
