The Las Vegas Raiders are staring down yet another pivotal offseason, and this one might be the most consequential yet. After a brutal 3-14 campaign in 2025, the franchise finds itself at a familiar crossroads-but this time, the stakes feel heavier. At the center of it all is Maxx Crosby, the heart and soul of the Raiders’ defense, and arguably their most irreplaceable player.
Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler with 69.5 career sacks, is coming off another individually stellar season, but the team’s lack of success has sparked questions about his future. Despite recently signing a massive contract extension, the rumors swirling around his potential departure are getting louder. NFL insider Jay Glazer poured gasoline on that fire during a recent interview, saying, “His time is most likely over,” and adding, “It is Maxx’s decision.”
That’s the kind of statement that sends shockwaves through a fan base. But there might be a solution sitting right in front of the Raiders-one that could not only keep Crosby in silver and black but also help stabilize a franchise in desperate need of direction.
Enter Jim Schwartz.
The 59-year-old defensive mastermind is currently the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, and if the Raiders are serious about both winning and keeping their cornerstone defensive player happy, Schwartz might be the guy to make it happen.
Let’s talk credentials. Schwartz has nearly three decades of NFL coaching experience, including 17 seasons as a defensive coordinator and a stint as the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
He’s built his reputation on aggressive, attacking defenses-anchored by a 4-3 under front that thrives on versatile linemen and man coverage principles. Most importantly for the Raiders, Schwartz knows how to unleash elite edge rushers.
Just ask Myles Garrett.
Since taking over in Cleveland in 2023, Schwartz turned the Browns' defense into one of the league’s most feared units. Garrett flourished in his system, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors under Schwartz’s guidance.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a coach understands how to maximize a player’s skill set-and that’s exactly what Crosby needs right now.
There’s already a mutual respect between the two. Crosby spoke candidly on The Rush podcast about his admiration for Schwartz, and it wasn’t just lip service.
“I f--- with Jim Schwartz. I'm a huge Jim Schwartz fan,” Crosby said.
“He was part of the Titans' coaching staff when I made my first Pro Bowl. He's a dog, and I grew up a Lions fan, and I remember him going at Harbaugh, and he's a fiery, great coordinator.
Loves the game, intense, an all-in type of guy.”
That quote says a lot. Crosby isn’t just talking about Xs and Os-he’s talking about identity.
He sees something of himself in Schwartz: the fire, the intensity, the obsession with the game. And for a player who’s given everything to a franchise that hasn’t always given back, that kind of alignment matters.
Of course, bringing Schwartz to Vegas won’t be easy. He’s still under contract with the Browns for two more years, and there’s always the possibility he’s eyeing another shot at a head coaching gig. But if the Raiders are serious about building around Crosby-and not just saying it-they need to make a move that shows it.
Because here’s the reality: Crosby’s not just a great player. He’s the culture-setter.
The tone-setter. The guy who plays every snap like it’s his last, regardless of the scoreboard.
You don’t let guys like that walk out the door. You build around them.
You listen to them. And if there’s a coach out there who not only fits what you need schematically but also resonates with your franchise player on a personal level-you go get him.
Hiring Jim Schwartz wouldn’t just be a smart football move. It would be a statement.
One that says the Raiders are done spinning their wheels. One that says they’re ready to build a defense that can actually win games-and keep their best player right where he belongs.
And if that happens? Don’t be surprised if Maxx Crosby ends up a Raider for life.