The prospects for rebuilding Las Vegas have hit a snag.
With trade rumors swirling, Maxx Crosby’s future with the Raiders is becoming more unclear, especially after it was announced on January 7 that he underwent a minor surgery to repair his meniscus.
This type of repair is different from trimming, and recovery usually spans three to four months, which could throw a wrench into any potential trade discussions when the new league year starts on March 11.
Although the procedure should benefit Crosby in the long run, he mentioned that his rehab is going well and “ahead of schedule.” Still, being in this situation might hinder his ability to be traded, as players without definitive medical evaluations rarely find themselves moving teams.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, if the 28-year-old, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Raiders, does leave the team, it may occur post-NFL Draft or right before the season kicks off.
Speculation around a potential trade began after Crosby was suspended for the last two games of the season, prompting a quite frustrated exit from the team facility.
However, Crosby reiterated on Friday that he never sought a deal and that all the rumors were surprises to him.
Dressed in a Raiders sweatshirt, he shared his thoughts during an appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”: “People assume, ‘Oh, Max must have said this,’ but I just sit back and chuckle since I know my own truth. I go to bed feeling good without needing to justify myself.”
“I’m getting healthier,” he continued. “I’m here every day from 6 a.m. until almost 2 p.m. That’s what matters to me. All the chatter? That’s often news to me.”
Raiders General Manager John Spytek also praised Crosby, stating, “I love Max. He truly embodies what it means to be a Raider” this past January.
This acknowledgement allowed Spytek to navigate questions regarding Crosby’s status and whether he’s considered untouchable.
Crosby has notched double-digit sacks in three out of the last four seasons and is poised to achieve a career-high of 28 tackles for loss in 2025. If a trade happens, he could bring in “significant draft capital,” according to Rapoport.
This capital could be crucial for a team looking to make serious changes following a disappointing 3-14 season.
The Raiders appear to be focusing on rebuilding around what is presumed to be the No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, and their new head coach, Clint Kubiak, who will conclude his role as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator at Super Bowl LX on Sunday night.
For now, whether Crosby will be a piece of that future remains uncertain.
