The Las Vegas Raiders are facing a whirlwind offseason, with a new head coach at the helm and trade rumors swirling around their star pass rusher. After a rocky season under Pete Carroll, the Raiders have brought in Klint Kubiak, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, to steer the ship.
Kubiak is already making moves, setting up his coaching staff as the team eyes a fresh start. All eyes are on the upcoming NFL Draft, where Indiana Hoosiers' standout quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the top pick. This could mark a new era for the Raiders as they look to rebound from the Geno Smith debacle.
Meanwhile, the situation with Maxx Crosby adds another layer of intrigue. Crosby, a cornerstone of the Raiders' defense, was sidelined in the final games of the season, much to his dissatisfaction. This has fueled speculation about a potential trade, and it seems there are plenty of teams eager to acquire his talents.
The question on everyone's mind: Will Crosby stay with the Raiders? His desire to compete for a championship might push him to seek a trade to a contender. ESPN's Bill Barnwell has even floated a trade scenario involving the Chicago Bears, where Crosby could be swapped for WR DJ Moore and a late first-round pick in 2026.
For the Raiders, retaining Crosby would be ideal. He's a game-changer when healthy and a Pro Bowl-level talent.
Both Kubiak and owner Mark Davis have expressed their desire to keep Crosby in silver and black. Yet, with free agency looming in March, the Raiders might consider a trade before the NFL Draft if the right offer comes along.
As the offseason unfolds, the Raiders' decisions will be pivotal. Whether Crosby remains a Raider or suits up for a new team, his future will be one of the key storylines to watch.