The Las Vegas Raiders officially ushered in a new era on Tuesday with the introduction of Klint Kubiak as their next head coach. But while Kubiak was the headline, the subplot that stole some of the spotlight was the swirling speculation around star edge rusher Maxx Crosby and his future with the franchise.
Over the past week, rumors have intensified around the possibility that Crosby could be on his way out of Vegas. FOX Sports' Jay Glazer added fuel to the fire, suggesting the five-time Pro Bowler might be “done” as a Raider. Combine that with some lingering frustration over how the team handled Crosby’s knee injury at the end of the season, and it’s no surprise that fans and media alike have been reading between the lines.
But Kubiak didn’t shy away from the topic in his introductory press conference. In fact, he leaned into it, offering a glimpse into the early stages of what could become a pivotal coach-player relationship.
“I got a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning. Loved talking with him,” Kubiak said.
“He was the first one in here working out. So that fired me up.”
That’s the kind of tone you want to hear from a new head coach when it comes to a franchise cornerstone like Crosby. It’s not just lip service-Kubiak’s comments suggest he understands the importance of building trust with his star players right out of the gate.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward, there’s no doubt about that,” Kubiak added.
That’s a strong statement-and a necessary one. Crosby is more than just a game-wrecker off the edge.
He’s the emotional heartbeat of this Raiders defense. His relentless motor, leadership in the locker room, and consistent production have made him one of the most respected defensive players in the league.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped teams from circling.
The Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys have all reportedly been monitoring the situation. All three teams are in the market for elite pass-rushing help, and each has the draft capital or roster flexibility to make a serious offer if the Raiders were to entertain a deal.
But for now, the tone out of Vegas is clear: Maxx Crosby is still a Raider, and the new regime wants to keep it that way.
That doesn’t mean the trade chatter will die down overnight. Crosby’s value is sky-high, and contenders will always inquire when a player of his caliber is even rumored to be available. But based on Kubiak’s comments and Crosby’s presence at the facility, it’s looking more and more like No. 98 will be lining up in silver and black in 2026.
The Bears, Lions, and Cowboys might have to look elsewhere to boost their pass rush. Because if the Raiders are serious about building around their best players, Maxx Crosby isn’t going anywhere.