Several reports last week hinted at a potential separation between the Las Vegas Raiders and their star defensive end, Maxx Crosby, this offseason, after Crosby was sidelined for the remainder of the season, leading to significant frustration.
Head coach Pete Carroll stated that the decision for Crosby to leave the team facility was mutually agreed upon, though such reports should be viewed with skepticism, as underlying circumstances are likely more complex. The Raiders had previously extended Crosby’s contract in March 2025 for three years, totaling $106.5 million, keeping him under contract with the team until 2030. Currently 28 years old, he would be 33 by the time he becomes eligible for the open market.
Crosby did not attend Sunday’s game, but, as per schedule, he returned to the team facility on Monday, Carroll confirmed.
Crosby’s agreement includes a substantial cap charge of $35.8 million in 2026, $29.7 million in 2027, $27.2 million in 2028, and $28.2 million in 2029, making it a manageable deal for top contenders looking to acquire him, or for the Raiders to structure their roster around. He carries a modest dead cap hit of $5.1 million in 2026, which would open up $30.7 million in available cap space if he were traded between the first and third days of the league year in 2026. This is because his $30 million salary becomes fully guaranteed on March 17th, making a trade almost impossible without incurring a dead cap penalty of $30 million or more. Crosby has no guaranteed earnings in 2027, 2028, or 2029, a situation that will likely need addressing this offseason or by his new team in the near future, as NFL players, particularly those of Crosby’s caliber, rarely play with minimal to no guaranteed money in their contracts, especially during seasons when they are 30 years old or older.
The Raiders currently hold a 2-13 record and are projected to have $111 million in cap space for the 2026 offseason; trading Crosby would reflect not the Raiders’ financial struggles but rather their distinct approach to a team rebuild. The Raiders exhibit a lack of talent across nearly all positions and could be 2-3 years away from truly competing as a franchise, which would place Crosby in his age 31 season. Crosby has recently contended with injuries, including multiple knee issues over the last three campaigns, resulting in his career-low pressure rate and pass rush win rate this season, although his metrics in run defense have seen an improvement. While his pressure rate and pass rush win rate have declined in recent seasons, injuries, defensive personnel changes, and other variables could be contributing factors, as he is only 28 and likely still within the prime of his career. Crosby will naturally need to reduce his playing time each season, as his 100% snap counts are likely unsustainable moving forward into his 29 and older seasons, particularly after enduring back-to-back seasons hampered by a knee injury. The Raiders are not compelled to trade Crosby, and retaining a top 20 player in the NFL is typically the judicious choice; the pivotal questions are whether Crosby desires to remain in Las Vegas and if the Raiders value him more than a potential trade package.
Evaluating that prospective return in the market is a difficult task. When the Raiders previously dealt superstar pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Bears, Mack was only 27 and yielded two first-round picks, a third, and a sixth-round pick for the Raiders, in exchange for Mack and a second-round selection. That transaction was often perceived as an overpayment by the Raiders, having to include a second-round pick on top of the multiple-time All-Pro pass rusher. In August, the dynamic pass rusher Micah Parsons was moved to the Packers for two first-round selections and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who is valued as a fourth-round player. Parsons, at just 26, would command a higher return than Crosby, a sentiment likely shared for Mack as well. In November, the Jets sent All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys for a first-rounder, a second-rounder, and Mazi Smith (equivalent to a sixth-round selection). Williams, 28, is similar in age and player profile to Crosby, though positional value does play a minor role between an edge rusher and a defensive tackle. If the Raiders intend to trade Crosby, the plain truth is they likely won’t be able to secure two first-round selections. With Crosby coming off two injuries to the same knee, exhibiting declining metrics, and heading into his age 29 season—which would make him older than the players in these three comparable trades—such a substantial return package is improbable.
Almost every team would be keen on acquiring Crosby, which could enable the Raiders to generate a bidding war among teams looking to push past the threshold into a Super Bowl window, such as the Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Patriots, Eagles, and Bears, among others. Each of the aforementioned teams possesses a variety of potential packages to offer, and the Raiders might explore gaining a young player in return for Crosby alongside draft capital, similar to recent trades, although Las Vegas would likely favor draft picks to capitalize on acquiring young talent for key positions. The 2026 offseason features Jaelan Phillips and Trey Hendrickson as the premier pass-rushing options, but Crosby would immediately become the top choice. The Raiders could attempt to compel a team to trade two first-round picks, though the more probable return, aligning with NFL trade values for draft picks and player worth, suggests the following: the Raiders would send Maxx Crosby in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round selection. This combined haul for the Raiders in 2026 would provide them with two first-round and two second-round selections, a third, and three fourth-rounders, totaling eight picks within the top 150, a collection capable of instantly transforming a franchise. Such a move would also free up $30 million in cap space for the Raiders, but it would create a definite vacancy on the defensive line, a need that would necessitate addressing either through one of the additional first-round selections and/or strategic spending in free agency. Alternatively, the Raiders can opt to retain Crosby and build around him as a central component of their franchise reconstruction; the appointment of a young head coach and the drafting of a franchise quarterback can swiftly reshape the expectations, mentality, and overall outlook within an organization.
