Raiders Lock In $106M Five-Time Pro Bowler—But Refuse To Call Him Untradeable As Patriots Circle

When Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek stepped to the podium at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the football world held its breath. Asked point-blank whether he expects star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to remain on the roster this season, Spytek’s answer was blunt and unambiguous: “I do, yes.” Those two words effectively slammed the brakes on a trade frenzy that had consumed the NFL conversation for weeks heading into the offseason.

The Rumors That Ignited a Firestorm

The speculation erupted during Super Bowl LX week, when Fox Sports reported that Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, was expected to be traded because he no longer wanted to endure another rebuild in Las Vegas. The Athletic further stoked the flames, reporting that Crosby had a specific destination in mind: the New England Patriots, under head coach Mike Vrabel. For a franchise already navigating a high-profile coaching transition, the timing could not have been more disruptive.

A Star’s Frustrating Final Chapter in 2025

Crosby’s desire for a fresh start stems from years of postseason heartbreak. In seven seasons with the Raiders, he has made the playoffs just once, a stat that haunts a competitor of his caliber. The frustration boiled over late in the 2025 season when the Raiders placed him on injured reserve with two games remaining due to a knee injury. Crosby was reportedly unhappy with that decision and left the building, a telling sign of a player at a crossroads.

The Knee, the Rehab, and the Return

Despite the drama, Crosby’s physical recovery appears on track. He underwent a minor meniscus repair in early January 2026 and has since been a daily presence in the Raiders’ facility. Spytek highlighted this commitment as evidence of Crosby’s investment in the team’s future, stating: “He’s in the building every day getting healthy right now. We talk on the phone, we text. So I have a great relationship with Maxx.” The 28-year-old recorded 73 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks in 2025, even while managing the knee injury.

Why the Raiders Can’t Afford to Lose Him

Trading away an elite edge rusher is always a gamble, especially for a team rebuilding from the ground up. Spytek was transparent about the franchise’s philosophy, saying: “Maxx is an elite player, and I’ve been very upfront from the start when I got here that we’re in the business of having really good players on the team and we need a lot more of them. It’s hard to build a great team without elite players.” Crosby remains the defensive cornerstone of a roster that is otherwise thin on proven talent.

The “Always Listening” Caveat

Not everything Spytek said was a full-throated commitment. When pressed on whether Crosby was truly untradeable, the GM was candid. “I learned a long time ago, always listen. I’m always listening,” he said. That carefully chosen phrase signals that while Las Vegas has no intention of shopping Crosby, a genuinely overwhelming offer could still alter the calculus. It’s a classic front-office hedge that keeps negotiating leverage intact without burning bridges.

Kubiak and Davis Both Want Crosby to Stay

The message from the Raiders organization has been consistent at every level. New head coach Klint Kubiak publicly stated earlier this month that he wants Crosby to be central to the team’s success going forward. Raiders owner Mark Davis echoed that sentiment, making clear his desire to keep Crosby in Las Vegas. With the head coach, owner, and GM all aligned on retaining him, the organizational unity around Crosby is difficult to ignore.

A Franchise at a Pivotal Crossroads

The Raiders enter 2026 armed with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft and the second-most cap space in the entire league. They are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with that top pick, potentially handing the franchise its most important offensive building block in years. If Mendoza develops into a legitimate starter, Crosby’s decision to stay or be pushed out could look very different by next season.

Quick Turnarounds Are Possible, Says GM

Spytek used history to paint an optimistic picture for Crosby and Raiders fans skeptical about another rebuilding cycle. “This league is littered with examples of teams that went from a top-five pick to the NFC Championship, the Super Bowl,” he said, pointing to the Washington Commanders and New England Patriots as recent proof of concept. The argument is straightforward: if the Raiders can draft wisely and spend their cap space effectively, a contending roster could emerge faster than critics believe.

What Happens Next

The trade deadline for any blockbuster moves will not arrive overnight, and Spytek’s Combine comments are unlikely to fully silence the rumor mill. Analysts note that a GM with genuine trade intentions would never tip his hand publicly at Indianapolis. The real test comes in the weeks ahead, whether Las Vegas locks Crosby into a restructured deal or whether, behind closed doors, those listening ears hear something too good to refuse. For now, Maxx Crosby remains a Raider.

If you enjoyed this article please like and follow us here on MSN! Thank you for reading and have a great day!

Sources
“Raiders GM John Spytek Expects Maxx Crosby to Be on Raiders in 2026 Amid Trade Speculation.” NFL.com, February 24, 2026.
“Raiders GM Says He Expects Maxx Crosby to Stay Despite Trade Rumors.” ESPN, February 24, 2026.
“Klint Kubiak, Mark Davis Want Maxx Crosby to Remain With Raiders.” ESPN, February 10, 2026.
“Raiders Star Maxx Crosby Expected to Be Traded, Per Fox Sports.” Fox Sports, February 2026.
“Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return in 2026, General Manager John Spytek Says.” The Athletic, February 24, 2026.
“Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers Named 2026 Pro Bowlers.” Raiders.com, December 22, 2025.