The Las Vegas Raiders are stepping into a new chapter, and it’s one that starts with a clear message from their new head coach, Klint Kubiak: Maxx Crosby isn’t going anywhere.
Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Ravens, Kubiak brings both a championship mindset and a no-nonsense approach to a franchise hungry for stability and direction. One of his first major moves? Sitting down with Crosby, the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, to make his stance crystal clear - the All-Pro edge rusher is a foundational piece, not trade bait.
And Crosby’s actions are speaking just as loudly. As soon as the season wrapped, he was the first player back in the building, grinding in the weight room while most were still catching their breath. That kind of leadership doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by a coach like Kubiak, who values accountability and toughness as non-negotiables.
Kubiak’s coaching DNA is shaped by his time under defensive minds like Mike Macdonald in Seattle. He’s talked openly about how Macdonald pushed his staff relentlessly - challenging the offensive coaches after every game, forcing them to re-evaluate and evolve.
Kubiak admitted those sessions weren’t always comfortable. “I hated looking him in the eye because I knew the hard questions were coming,” he said.
New #Raiders HC Klint Kubiak says Mike Macdonald — as a defensive-minded coach — would challenge the offensive staff after every game, and it made everyone better.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 10, 2026
“I hated looking him in the eye because I knew the hard questions were coming. But I appreciated that about him… https://t.co/4hKMxxyzz1 pic.twitter.com/o8GUHyutiC
“But I appreciated that about him because it brought the best out of us.”
That kind of internal pressure cooker is exactly what Kubiak seems ready to bring to Las Vegas - a culture where no one gets too comfortable, and everyone is expected to rise to the standard.
Of course, the biggest piece of the Raiders’ rebuild puzzle looms large: the No. 1 overall pick. All signs point to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the likely choice. He’s a smart, high-IQ prospect who thrives on preparation and mental processing - a sharp contrast to the more physically gifted, improvisational quarterbacks like Justin Herbert.
But here’s the catch: for a cerebral quarterback like Mendoza to thrive, he needs structure. He needs protection.
He needs weapons. And right now, the Raiders’ offensive line is still a work in progress.
Analyst Kirk Herbstreit put it plainly - Mendoza can be the right guy, but only if the team builds the right system around him. That means reliable tight ends, a backfield that can take pressure off the passing game, and an O-line that can keep him upright long enough to read and react.
The good news? The Raiders have the tools to make it happen. With 10 draft picks and the second-most cap space in the league, the front office has both the flexibility and the firepower to reshape the roster quickly and effectively.
This isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about laying the groundwork for long-term success. And with Kubiak setting the tone, Crosby leading by example, and a potential franchise quarterback on the horizon, the Raiders are finally starting to look like a team with a real plan.
The road ahead won’t be easy - it never is in the AFC West - but for the first time in a while, there’s a sense of direction in Las Vegas. And that might be the most valuable asset of all.