The Las Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock.
For the first time since 2007, the Silver and Black hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. That year, they took JaMarcus Russell-a pick that didn’t exactly pan out the way fans had hoped.
Now, nearly two decades later, the franchise has a chance to reset the narrative. All signs point toward quarterback Fernando Mendoza being the top target, which would make him the first signal-caller the Raiders have taken in the first round since Russell.
It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s been searching for long-term stability under center for years. And judging by how the Raiders handled the final stretch of the 2025 season, it’s clear the front office is fully locked in on the future.
The team placed key players-tight end Brock Bowers, safety Jeremy Chinn, and star edge rusher Maxx Crosby-on injured reserve before the final two games. That move raised some eyebrows, especially when it came to Crosby.
Crosby, the heart and soul of the defense, didn’t take the news lightly. Reports say he stormed out of the facility after being informed and didn’t return for three days, missing the Week 17 game against the Giants. But in true Crosby fashion, he came back, was present throughout the following week, and stood on the sideline in Week 18, showing his trademark intensity and leadership even while sidelined.
Still, his brief absence sparked a wave of trade speculation-rumors that have only grown louder given the Raiders’ dismal season and their potential rebuild. But if you listen to Crosby, there’s no doubt about where he wants to be.
“I want to retire a Raider. There’s no question about that,” Crosby said.
“I love being a Raider. I feel like it’s who I was born to be.
It fits exactly who I am.”
That’s not just lip service from a player trying to keep the peace. Crosby’s passion for the franchise is real-and it’s been that way since the Raiders took a chance on him in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.
Since then, he’s become one of the most dominant edge rushers in the game, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who’s consistently produced despite being the focal point of opposing blocking schemes. Whether it’s setting the edge in the run game or terrorizing quarterbacks, Crosby has delivered-week in and week out.
He’s also made it clear that his frustrations aren’t about money or ego. It’s about winning.
“I want Mark [Davis] to win,” Crosby added. “It’s not coming from a selfish perspective. I want to win here, and I want him to win and have success.”
That kind of mindset is exactly what you want from your franchise cornerstone. And make no mistake-Crosby is that guy. He’s the emotional leader, the tone-setter, and the kind of player you build around, not shop around.
So while the trade buzz will likely linger-because elite players on struggling teams always generate interest-there’s no real reason for Raiders fans to panic. Crosby’s not just saying the right things; he’s living them. He’s been through the lows, and he wants to be part of the highs.
The good news for Raider Nation? The pieces might finally be falling into place.
With ten projected draft picks, including the coveted No. 1 overall selection, and ample cap space to work with, the front office has a real opportunity to reshape the roster this offseason. If they can nail the coaching hire, land a few impact free agents, and Mendoza becomes the quarterback many believe he can be, this franchise could be on the verge of a serious turnaround.
And if that turnaround happens with Maxx Crosby still in Silver and Black, leading the charge on defense? That’s the kind of redemption story that Raider fans-and Crosby himself-have been waiting years to see.