The Las Vegas Raiders and their star defensive end, Maxx Crosby, appear to be on a path to continued partnership, at least for the immediate future. A potential trade to the Baltimore Ravens reportedly fell through due to a failed physical, leaving Crosby committed to the Silver and Black as the team navigates a significant rebuild.
This situation presents a unique set of circumstances for both the player and the franchise. According to insights from The Athletic’s Mike Silver, it logically makes sense for the Raiders to retain Crosby for another season. The rationale behind this strategy is to allow Crosby’s trade value to rebound. Following the Ravens’ assessment of his knee injury, he’s currently perceived as having “damaged goods,” which would significantly depress any potential trade offers.
Silver elaborated on this business perspective, suggesting a temporary truce is in everyone’s best interest. “From a business perspective, it kind of makes sense for everybody to kiss and make up right now,” he stated on a recent broadcast. He explained, “He’s got the damaged-goods label based on the Ravens’ assessment of the knee, you know, and the medical situation with it. He’s recovering from the knee injury.”
This means any team looking to acquire Crosby would likely aim for a heavily discounted price. Furthermore, Crosby himself may need to set aside aspirations for a contract upgrade this season, given the lingering concerns about his physical condition. Therefore, a reconciliation and a focus on his recovery and performance with the Raiders seems to be the most pragmatic approach for all parties involved.
Will Maxx Crosby’s Tenure Extend Beyond 2026?
Despite Crosby’s vocal commitment to the Raiders, there are indications that this alliance might not be a long-term fixture. Mike Silver suggests that the partnership may not extend beyond the 2026 NFL season. A significant factor contributing to this potential short-term outlook is reportedly a strained relationship between Crosby and Alex Guerrero, a close associate of minority owner Tom Brady.
Silver highlighted the complexities within the Raiders’ organization, specifically pointing to Guerrero’s influence. “Part of the issue in that building, and specifically with Maxx Crosby, is Alex Guerrero,” Silver noted. He described Guerrero as Tom Brady’s longtime confidant, who operates within the team with a purported authority over medical matters, despite not being a physician. Guerrero is also seen as influencing transaction decisions and acting as a direct line to Brady, who is not actively involved with the team’s day-to-day operations.
This dynamic has created significant trust issues, with Maxx Crosby reportedly at the forefront of these concerns. While Crosby may publicly state his desire to remain a Raider and the team might find it more cost-effective to keep him for the upcoming season, the underlying issues may prove insurmountable for a long-term commitment. Silver concluded, “So there are a lot of trust issues, and I would put Maxx Crosby at the forefront of that situation, which has not been a great one. So Maxx Crosby may be saying, ‘Yeah, I’m a Raider. I want to go back.’ They may be saying it’s cheaper to keep him at this point, and let’s try to all join together. But I still don’t think it’s a great situation, and to me, it seems at most like a one-year renewal of vows.”
Strategic Considerations: Should the Raiders Still Listen to Offers?
Even with the Ravens trade seemingly off the table, some believe the Raiders should remain open to hearing offers for Maxx Crosby. Former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum advocates for this approach, especially as the NFL Draft draws nearer.
“Yeah, absolutely [the Raiders should be taking calls on Crosby],” Tannenbaum asserted. His reasoning centers on the team’s rebuilding timeline. He posited that by the time a potential future quarterback like Fernando Mendoza is developed and ready to contribute significantly, Crosby might be several years further into his career, potentially past his prime or facing different contract demands. This strategic perspective suggests that maximizing his trade value now, while he still possesses considerable talent, could be beneficial for the Raiders’ long-term planning.
Barring any unexpected blockbuster offers this offseason, the discussion around Crosby’s future with the Raiders could resurface next year. The team’s front office may continue to evaluate his situation, particularly if the rebuild is not progressing as hoped and they believe the optimal time to move him would be before his performance inevitably declines with age. This ongoing strategic assessment will be crucial for the Raiders as they attempt to navigate their current rebuilding phase and position themselves for future success.
