Maxx Crosby is already doing what the Raiders have needed from one of their cornerstone players for a long time: helping set the tone for what comes next.
With Klint Kubiak now in place as head coach and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza joining the organization, Las Vegas is trying to build something steadier than what Crosby has lived through for most of his run with the team. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, isn’t expected to start right away, but the Raiders finally have a young quarterback they can point to as their franchise piece.
That was part of the conversation when Mendoza appeared on Crosby’s podcast, “The Rush,” earlier this week. The two talked about their time in Las Vegas, and Crosby, the two-time All-Pro pass rusher, offered the rookie quarterback some valuable advice.
For Raiders fans, that kind of interaction matters. It’s a sign of a veteran star leaning into the new era instead of standing apart from it.
Crosby has also been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, which only makes his role here feel more meaningful. Rather than looking detached from a team that’s still trying to find its footing, he’s taking Mendoza under his wing. That says plenty about the direction the Raiders want to project.
The outside view may still label Las Vegas as a rebuilding team heading into the 2026 NFL season, but that’s not how the people inside the building are acting. With a new head coach, a strong draft class, and several marquee free-agent additions, the Raiders have reason to believe they can be more than just a project. They could end up being one of the surprise teams of next season.
There are still real questions about how good this roster actually is, and training camp should give a much clearer picture of where things stand. But for now, the mood around the Silver and Black is trending upward. The coaching staff, front office, ownership, and players have all done their part to create a more complete organization, and supporters have every reason to feel better about what’s ahead.
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Raiders Young Corner Is Running Out Of Time To Prove It
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Richardson now has to climb past a crowded group and convince the staff he belongs in the conversation for one of the final cornerback jobs. Training camp and preseason will be his best chance to change the picture, especially with the Raiders sorting through a depth chart that already looks crowded and could still shift if health or performance opens a door. If he cannot make a move soon, the path only gets narrower from here. [Read more 🡒]