As the Las Vegas Raiders dive into what’s shaping up to be one of their most pivotal offseasons in years, the organization finds itself juggling multiple high-stakes decisions - from the head coaching search to the quarterback conundrum, and even some unexpected draft curveballs. And right in the middle of it all, star defensive end Maxx Crosby is quietly grinding through rehab, offering a small but meaningful glimpse into his recovery.
Crosby, who battled through a meniscus injury suffered back in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs, finally underwent surgery last week after gutting it out for most of the season. The injury ultimately sidelined him for the final two games, landing him on injured reserve to close out the year.
But Crosby’s not staying in the shadows. On Wednesday, he posted a photo with his daughter, Ella Rose, both decked out in matching green outfits.
The caption? “Matching Lil Mama.”
A simple moment, but one that Raider Nation no doubt appreciated - a reminder that even warriors like Crosby have their softer side, and that he’s on the road back.
One of the voices still connected to Crosby and the Silver and Black is former teammate Davante Adams, now with the Los Angeles Rams. Adams recently told Kay Adams on Up & Adams that he’s been checking in on Crosby throughout the season.
“I've been kind of letting him breathe a little bit,” Adams said. “But I've been in his ear a little bit this year.
Just kind of checking on my guy, few of my guys over there. Him.
Tre Tucker, that's another one of my guys over there as well. DJ Turner.
I've been checking on all my guys over there. Just making sure that they're good and in a good headspace.”
That kind of connection speaks volumes - not just about the relationships forged in the locker room, but about the respect Crosby commands across the league.
While Crosby recovers and the Raiders regroup, another headline hit this week that could ripple through their entire draft strategy. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, once considered a potential top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, announced he’s returning to school. That decision sent shockwaves through the draft landscape - and may have altered the Raiders’ offseason calculus.
With Moore off the board, the quarterback class thins out significantly at the top. Some analysts believe this gives the Raiders more flexibility with the No. 1 overall pick - they’re no longer boxed into taking a QB unless they truly believe in one. As one draft analyst put it, “This is huge for the Las Vegas Raiders because they don't really have to take a quarterback if they don't want to.”
That said, there’s still one name standing tall above the rest: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. He’s become the consensus top quarterback in this class - and not by a small margin.
Mendoza’s blend of intelligence, arm talent, and poise has drawn comparisons to the likes of Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow. He’s the kind of prospect who can anchor a franchise, and his stock is only expected to rise as the pre-draft process unfolds.
One analyst summed it up bluntly:
‘26 QB class
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
- - - - Grand Canyon sized gap - - - -
• Everyone Else
That’s a pretty telling snapshot of how scouts and front offices are viewing this year’s quarterback group. If the Raiders want Mendoza, they’ll likely have to stay put at No.
- But if they’re not sold, the door is wide open for a trade - and there are already whispers of teams circling with interest.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ coaching search is heating up. After parting ways with their previous staff following a 3-14 campaign, the front office is casting a wide net.
Among the candidates being interviewed: Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Both bring defensive pedigrees and are viewed as rising minds in NFL circles.
The decision between an offensive or defensive-minded head coach will have major implications. With a top pick in hand and a roster in flux, the Raiders are trying to reset their identity - and that starts at the top.
And speaking of roster reshuffling, one name that’s surfaced in trade chatter is Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. According to a report from 105.3 The Fan, the Raiders have at least shown interest.
Hendrickson’s early career was marred by injuries and inconsistent production - just two sacks across his first two seasons, and only 4.5 in year three. But he’s since developed into a disruptive force off the edge, and if Vegas is looking to pair someone with Crosby, Hendrickson could be an intriguing fit.
The Raiders are expected to conduct more interviews later this week, with Thursday and Friday lined up for key meetings. Whether they go offense or defense with their next head coach, the decision will shape not just the 2026 season, but the future of the franchise.
One thing’s clear: with a star like Maxx Crosby on the mend, a top draft pick in their pocket, and a new coaching regime on the horizon, this offseason is set to define the next era of Raiders football.