Raiders’ New Era Begins Amidst Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors
The Las Vegas Raiders have officially embarked on a new chapter, introducing Klint Kubiak as their head coach on Tuesday, just days after his Super Bowl triumph with the Seattle Seahawks. While Kubiak’s arrival signals a fresh start, the Raiders face immediate challenges – from navigating the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 1 overall pick and a substantial $90-plus million in free agency spending money – to addressing the uncertain future of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
Kubiak, who enjoyed a successful run as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, acknowledged the complexities awaiting him in Las Vegas. During his introductory press conference, he emphasized his desire to retain Crosby, stating, “We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL. That’s a no-brainer, to get to work with Maxx and see him continue to have success with this organization.” He revealed that Crosby was already at the facility working out when he arrived on Tuesday, and the two had a chance to speak.
However, the situation surrounding Crosby remains fluid. Reports are conflicting, with Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer suggesting Crosby’s time with the Raiders may be over, while NFL Media recently reported that the five-time Pro Bowler has not requested a trade and is currently in a “great place” with the team. Glazer initially reported that Crosby was unhappy with the team’s decision to sideline him due to a knee injury in December, a situation that prompted him to re-evaluate his future.
Despite the speculation, Crosby has publicly maintained a loyal stance toward the Raiders, even appearing in team gear during Super Bowl week interviews. Yet, Kubiak represents the sixth different head coach Crosby has encountered in his seven NFL seasons, and the Raiders have only experienced one winning season during his tenure. This lack of consistent success may be fueling Crosby’s potential desire for a change of scenery.
The onus now falls on Kubiak to convince Crosby that he is the coach to lead the Raiders to sustained contention. A potential trade involving Crosby would likely be a blockbuster deal, comparable to the one that sent Micah Parsons to the Dallas Cowboys. Crosby’s impact on the field is undeniable; since entering the league, he leads the NFL in tackles for loss (133), ranks fifth in quarterback hits (164), and sixth in sacks (69.5), all while playing the most snaps among defensive linemen (6,112).
The coming weeks will be critical in determining Crosby’s future and shaping the direction of the Raiders under their new head coach. The organization faces a delicate balance between honoring a star player and building a team capable of consistently competing for championships.
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