Maxx Crosby’s Future with the Raiders: Frustration, Uncertainty, and a Whole Lot of Noise
Is there trouble brewing between Maxx Crosby and the Las Vegas Raiders? That question exploded into the spotlight this week after Jay Glazer dropped a headline-grabbing comment during Super Bowl Radio Row, hinting that Crosby and the Raiders could be headed for a split. It didn’t take long for the speculation to swirl, but now Crosby himself is speaking out-and he’s not holding back.
Let’s unpack what we know, what’s been said, and what it all might mean for one of the NFL’s most relentless defenders.
Crosby Responds: “I Know My Truth”
On Friday, Crosby addressed the rumors directly during an appearance with FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd. And if you were expecting fireworks or a dramatic confirmation of discontent, that’s not what you got. Instead, Crosby came across calm, composed, and focused-clearly aware of the noise but not interested in feeding it.
“Now that I’m quiet, I’ve got random people making big statements for me,” Crosby said. “They’re like, ‘Maxx must’ve told them this.’ For me, I just sit back and laugh because I know my truth.”
He went on to describe his offseason grind-showing up at the Raiders’ facility before dawn and staying deep into the afternoon, locked in on getting healthy and staying ready. “That’s all I care about,” he said. “So all the noise, that’s news to me sometimes.”
It was a classic Crosby response-intense, focused, and dripping with the kind of work ethic that’s made him the heart of the Raiders’ defense. But it also left the door open. Because while Crosby may not be confirming any trade talk, he didn’t exactly slam it shut either.
Behind the Scenes: Frustration After the Shutdown
To understand where this friction may be coming from, you have to go back to the end of the regular season. Crosby was shut down for the final two games, and according to multiple insiders, that decision didn’t sit well with him-or with others inside the building.
Sports Illustrated’s Hondo Carpenter, speaking on the Las Vegas Raiders Insider podcast, confirmed that Crosby was “100 percent” angry with how things were handled. And it wasn’t just about being benched-it was about how he found out.
“There was a lot of anger in the building, not just from Maxx,” Carpenter said. “There were other people that were very upset and angry at how Maxx found out about the benching. All of it.”
While the full details haven’t come out-and likely won’t unless Crosby is traded-Carpenter hinted that there’s more to the story. He suggested that if Crosby is moved, he’ll share specifics about the timeline, the communication breakdown, and how it all unfolded.
Dysfunction or Growing Pains?
This situation isn’t just about one player’s frustration-it’s also a window into the larger challenges facing the Raiders organization.
Carpenter didn’t mince words when describing the situation: “I supported the Raiders sitting Maxx. How they did it was terrible, and that’s part of the learning curve that this franchise is going through right now.”
That’s a telling quote. It suggests that while the decision to shut Crosby down may have been made with long-term health and team strategy in mind, the execution-how it was communicated, how it was received-was lacking. And when you’re dealing with a player like Crosby, who pours everything into the game and leads by example, those missteps can carry weight.
So… Is a Trade Coming?
That’s the million-dollar question, and right now, there’s no definitive answer. Crosby didn’t demand a trade.
He didn’t air grievances publicly. But the fact that this conversation is even happening-on Super Bowl week, no less-says something.
Crosby is the emotional and physical engine of the Raiders’ defense. He’s a tone-setter, a locker room leader, and one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league. If there’s even a chance the Raiders are considering moving on from him, it signals a seismic shift in direction.
For now, Crosby’s in the building. He’s working.
He’s not adding fuel to the fire. But the friction is real, and the next few months will be telling.
Because when a player like Maxx Crosby is unhappy-even quietly-it’s never just noise.