Las Vegas Raiders edge defender Maxx Crosby wants a trade, and dealing with the star’s demands will be the first major challenge for first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. After playing a pivotal role in Seattle’s championship, the offensive guru now heads to the desert to try to rebuild a team that finished with the worst record in football. Crosby is arguably the best player on the roster, and he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to return to the team. Kubiak, however, is fighting to keep him around.
During a recent interview, Kubiak said that he had a cup of coffee with Maxx Crosby and sounded optimistic about establishing a continued line of communication with the five-time Pro Bowler.
“Loved talking ball with him, and look forward to continuing those conversations,” Kubiak said. “We want him to be a part of our success going forward, and there’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL, so that’s a no-brainer, to get to work with Maxx and to see him continue to have success with this organization.”
Klint Kubiak Address Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors
The only way Maxx Crosby will voluntarily stay with the Raiders is if Klint Kubiak can convince him this team is ready to compete. This will be a hard sales pitch, as there’s a reason they finished with the first-overall pick. However, they could draft a true franchise quarterback in Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, and there are a few exciting playmakers like Brock Bowers on the roster.
Complicating the Maxx Crosby trade talks is his knee injury. The star pass rusher recently underwent a meniscus repair, which means he probably won’t pass a physical until we’re close to the 2026 NFL Draft. If opposing teams aren’t willing to surrender multiple first-round picks for a still-injured Crosby, he’ll have no choice but to stay with the Raiders.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – Imagn Images
